Optibus, a global leader in AI-powered public transportation software, has been selected as the operational backbone for a major bus network in Santiago, Chile, awarded to the Conecta Consortium, led by Buses Hualpén.
The newly awarded concession covers two service units in the RED Metropolitana de Movilidad, Santiago’s expansive public transportation system. Optibus’ intelligent planning and operations platform will be used to manage approximately 1,000 buses, including 500 new electric buses, set to transport 76 million passengers annually across the Chilean capital.
With this deployment, the number of public buses in Chile planned and scheduled using Optibus’ platform now exceeds 10,000 vehicles, reinforcing the company’s strategic footprint in Latin America.
Antonio Momares, CEO of Buses Hualpén and the Conecta Consortium, stated that by adopting the Optibus platform, the company is taking a decisive step toward a more modern, sustainable, and people-centered operation. He added that technology plays a key role in transforming public transportation, and this partnership raises the bar for urban mobility in Chile.
Founded over 50 years ago, Buses Hualpén operates more than 2,000 buses nationwide, including a growing fleet of electric buses. This latest deal reflects its ongoing commitment to efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
Optibus leverages AI, cloud computing, and optimization algorithms to handle complex tasks like electric bus scheduling, crew assignments, and real-time route optimization. The software ensures optimal use of resources while improving passenger experiences and enabling rapid decision-making.
According to Amos Haggiag, CEO of Optibus, the company is proud to support the Conecta Consortium and expand its presence within the RED system. This project will strengthen coordination between agencies and operators and accelerate Chile’s transition to clean, efficient transportation.
For the uninitiated, Chile aims to fully electrify its public bus system by 2040, with Santiago targeting a 68% electric fleet by 2025. As more cities adopt e-mobility, Optibus’ smart EV management tools will be critical for enabling real-time, scalable electric transit systems across Latin America.