Overview
Comprised of seven concessionary companies, Sinetram manages the public transportation system of Manaus, Brazil. Their fleet of more than 1,000 buses delivers 2.7 million passenger trips annually across 278 routes.
In 2024, Sinetram adopted Optibus’ AI-backed software platform to modernize Manaus’ public transportation, joining the cohort of cities, including Porto Alegre and Santiago, using Optibus to transform their city’s entire bus system.
Using Optibus Planning and Scheduling, Sinetram deployed tools that boosted operational agility and speed, and improved service efficiency, reliability, and passenger wait times across the city.
Challenge
Before Optibus, Manaus’ public transportation system ran off traditional, siloed methods that lacked comprehensive data insights. Analysis and long-term planning were difficult due to the use of multiple, segregated spreadsheets. Network performance was impacted by traditional vehicle and driver allocation methods. Limited operational insights made it difficult to respond to unexpected events in an agile, data-driven manner.
Solution
Optibus Planning and Scheduling introduced advanced technologies to Sinetram’s operations. AI and algorithms optimize bus routes and timetables while factoring in dynamic, real-world data such as traffic patterns, passenger numbers, and past bus schedules.
Optibus’ Rapid Scenario Creation, which helps simulate various service scenarios before implementation, is helping Sinetram to make changes safely and with confidence.
Optibus connects with Sinetream’s other systems, so that everything works together in one place. This makes it easier to track operations and make faster, more informed decisions.
Optibus’ Customer Service team helped ensure the smooth, successful integration of Optibus into Sinetram’s daily workflows, gradually trainin and upskilling staff to new processes.
“The transition was gradual, with intensive team training and weekly meetings where the Optibus team was available to support us,” said Tárcio.
Results
The implementation of Optibus Planning and Scheduling led to significant outcomes:
- More efficient services: Fleet utilization improved as passenger wait times dropped.
- Reliable schedules: Buses are running with greater punctuality and frequency.
- Faster planning: Sinetram can now quickly adjust routes and schedules using real-world data, saving time and enabling them to respond faster to changes.
- Continuous improvements: Passenger feedback and performance metrics are now systematically used to improve services.
“We’re working with optimized maps now, which has expanded planning opportunities even on low-demand routes. This generated lasting improvements and more effective technical responses,” explained Tárcio.
What's Next: AI and Electric Buses
Sinetram is planning the future with Optibus, including using AI features to build smarter, more accurate schedules based on real-world operational data. These tools will help predict trip duration based on past traffic patterns, ridership trends, and real-life bus performance.
Sinetram also plans to deploy electric vehicles and improve accessibility. With Optibus, Sinetram can identify underserved areas and explore new service options, and use the platform’s EV Management solution to create plans for electric buses.
“We want to expand the use of AI to forecast demand and integrate electric vehicles. We also aim to use AI to identify better ways to serve those who don’t yet use public transport,” said Tárcio.
