Optibus launches Real-Time Suite, adding software-based ETA and fleet monitoring layer to CAD/AVL systems

Optibus has launched its Real-Time Suite, a cloud-native software layer designed to process existing CAD/AVL and GPS data for ETA prediction, fleet monitoring, detour detection, passenger information and reporting.

The new product is part of Optibus Control, the company’s live operations platform, and is intended for public transport agencies and operators already using CAD/AVL hardware. According to Optibus, the suite operates entirely through software and does not require additional onboard equipment or replacement of existing CAD/AVL systems.

The launch is being presented at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026, taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago from October 4 to 7.

Optibus Real-Time Suite processes GTFS, GTFS-RT and raw GPS data

The Real-Time Suite receives an agency’s scheduled service data in GTFS format together with live vehicle information supplied through GTFS-RT or raw GPS feeds. It then processes these inputs to provide estimated arrival times, live fleet monitoring, automatic detour detection, passenger alerts and centralized reporting.

Optibus describes the product as an intelligence layer positioned between existing CAD/AVL systems and downstream passenger information and reporting tools. Its predictions use schedules and runtime information held within the Optibus platform.

The suite is available to agencies and operators with existing CAD/AVL hardware and forms the software core of Optibus Control. No Optibus-specific hardware is required for its deployment, the company states.

The product includes a live fleet view for control-room and operations staff. Detours can be automatically identified and classified, while service data can be checked before being distributed to passenger-facing channels.

Passenger information functions include ETA distribution for stop displays and journey-planning applications, including Google and Apple services, as well as service disruption alerts. According to Optibus, updates can be synchronized across different passenger information channels from a single publishing point.

Real-time transit operations cover alerts, detours and compliance reporting

The Real-Time Suite also includes centralized reporting functions for operational and authority requirements. Reports can be generated from a common data source, while an audit trail records service delivery information.

Optibus cites reporting workload as one of the areas addressed by the new software. According to figures from the U.S. Federal Transit Administration included in the company’s launch material, National Transit Database reporting accounts for a combined 456,179 staff hours annually across agencies.

The company also cites passenger information as one of the areas covered by the suite. Optibus refers to a Transit survey in which more precise real-time information was identified as the leading factor among those surveyed that would encourage greater public transport use.

The launch follows the development of Optibus Control as the company’s platform for live service operations. In January 2026, Control was expanded with service alerts, updated ETA prediction functions, vehicle diagnostics and a map-based interface for monitoring service.

For dispatch teams, the new suite provides vehicle positions and operational information within one interface. Automatic detection functions identify detours within minutes, according to Optibus, while incorrect service information can be identified before publication to passenger channels.

For reporting activities, the software consolidates information that can otherwise be maintained in separate spreadsheets and systems. The associated audit trail records data on service delivery for subsequent review.

In brief

• What is the Optibus Real-Time Suite?
  A cloud-native software layer for ETA prediction, fleet monitoring, detour detection, passenger alerts and operational reporting.
• Does the system require new CAD/AVL hardware?
  No. Optibus says it works with existing CAD/AVL systems or GPS feeds and requires no additional Optibus hardware.
• Which data formats does it use?
  The suite ingests scheduled GTFS data together with GTFS-RT or raw GPS vehicle information.
• Where does the Real-Time Suite sit within Optibus?
  It forms part of Optibus Control, the company’s platform for live public transport operations.

“The Real-Time Suite takes CAD/AVL systems to the next level. It means sharper ETAs for passengers, detours caught in minutes for dispatchers, and authority reports that build themselves. The industry has made the investment in their CAD/AVL; this is how they get even more value out of it, without investing in more hardware,” said Amos Haggiag, Optibus CEO and co-founder.