Optibus, a provider of end-to-end software for public transportation management, has been chosen as the planning and operating system for a new operation in Chile awarded by public tender to the Conecta Consortium, consisting of Buses Hualpén.
The operation comprises two service units within RED Metropolitana de Movilidad, the public transportation system of Santiago, Chile.
Through the initiative, Optibus’ software will be used to optimize the operation of approximately 1,000 buses, including 500 new electric buses, that will transport 76 million annual passengers throughout the Chilean capital.
With this deal, the share of public buses planned and scheduled in Chile using Optibus’ software surpasses 10,000 vehicles.
Buses Hualpén has more than 50 years of experience in private passenger transportation, operating a fleet of more than 2,000 buses, including nearly 100 electric ones, across Chile, from Arica to Punta Arenas.
The selection of Optibus for this new tender operation reflects Buses Hualpén’s commitment to operational efficiency, service quality, and technological innovation.
“We believe technology plays a key role in the transformation of public transportation,” said Antonio Momares, CEO of Consorcio Conecta and Buses Hualpén. “By adopting the Optibus platform, we are taking a decisive step toward a more modern, sustainable, and people-centered operation. We are very excited about the potential of this partnership to raise the standard of urban mobility in Santiago and contribute to the future of electromobility in Chile.”
Amos Haggiag, CEO and co-founder of Optibus, added, “We’re proud to support Buses Hualpén and the Conecta Consortium as they expand their operations through this new tender and bring more electric buses to Santiago. Optibus’ growing presence within the RED Metropolitana de Movilidad system stands to strengthen coordination between operators and the agency, leading to a more efficient, sustainable bus network.”
Leveraging AI, cloud computing, and optimization algorithms, Optibus’ software analyzes datasets to perform tasks like crew and vehicle assignments and electric bus (e-bus) scheduling with speed and accuracy. Through optimization, the software ensures the best allocation of resources for meeting operational goals and improving efficiency while enhancing passenger services.
A leading software solution for transitioning to electric bus fleets, Optibus also offers advanced AI-driven tools to manage all aspects of electric vehicle operations. The platform allows users to set rules and preferences related to battery usage, charging needs, battery type, energy consumption, and more. It generates highly accurate operational plans optimized for charging times and locations, while enabling rapid scenario planning based on EV battery performance data.
Optibus’ technology is already used by the Metropolitan Public Transport Directorate (DTPM), Santiago’s public transportation agency, to plan the city’s services and improve efficiency, service quality, and passenger experience. Additional major RED operators, such as Transdev’s Redbus Urbano (RBU) and Metropol, are also using Optibus’ software platform to optimize their operations.
On a national level, Chile aims to implement a fully electric bus system nationwide by 2040, with Santiago on track to have a 68% electric bus fleet by the end of 2025. Optibus’ AI-driven EV management software is poised to play a major role in the transition.
