Optibus, a mobility planning and management platform specializing in city-based bus travel, announced the launch of its new office in Lisbon, Portugal, to strengthen its European footprint.

The company's plans to enhance its relationship with the local public transportation industry, providing operators and agencies with advanced technologies, and capitalizing on Portugal's public transportation changes to improve sustainability and increase ridership, particularly in Lisbon. These changes include introducing new train services, utilizing electric bus fleets, and investing in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the VoxPop project, Lisbon’s urban mobility strategy, to prioritize user needs and streamline planning and operations for greater efficiency.

Optibus' software is currently in use by public transportation providers in several cities across Portugal, including Lisbon, where ~50% of the public buses are being planned and scheduled using the technology.

Analyst QuickTake: Optibus appears to be expanding its presence in Europe by establishing headquarters in key locations within the region, such as Stockholm, Rome, and now, Lisbon. This strategy may be motivated by the significant changes underway in public transportation networks across Europe, as cities prioritize sustainability and user-centric services. By opening regional offices in these areas, Optibus can position itself to better serve local transportation providers and agencies as they undergo these transformations.