CitySwift is an Irish technology company specializing in AI-powered data intelligence and performance optimization solutions for public transport networks, primarily bus services. The company has demonstrated rapid growth, substantial funding, and influence in transforming transport analytics across Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific markets
Founded in Galway, Ireland, in 2016 by Brian O’Rourke (CEO) and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift merged extensive bus industry experience with deep expertise in data science to address fundamental shortcomings in public transport planning. Over the years, it has expanded operations, opening offices in Ireland, the UK, and the US, and recently announced significant job creation efforts across Ireland, Portugal, the US, and Brazil.
CitySwift has secured €14.69 million (approx. $15.6 million) over four funding rounds, including a €7 million (~$7.57 million) Series B closed in January 2024, led by Gresham House Ventures and supported by investors such as Irelandia Investments, Western Development Commission, and ACT Venture Capital. The company’s estimated enterprise value ranges from $31 million to $46 million, reflecting healthy investor confidence and market traction. CitySwift was ranked as one of Ireland’s fastest-growing companies in 2025 by Sifted.
CitySwift’s main offering is its Performance Optimisation Platform, equipped with features such as:
Automated data collection, cleaning, and enrichment from hundreds of sources.
Proprietary origin-destination algorithms detailing passenger flows, boarding/alighting events, occupancy, and capacity insights.
Intelligent, personalized recommendation engine (“Spotlight”) released in partnership with National Express West Midlands (NXWM) for optimized decision-making.
Predictive analytics for demand forecasting, punctuality, and network optimization.
Real-time and historical reporting for both operators and authorities.
The most notable new feature in 2024-2025 is the “Spotlight” engine, which helps operators prioritize the most impactful network interventions. The platform’s ability to optimize run-times and schedules at scale for major operators has delivered tangible improvements, including significant increases in punctuality and patronage, as well as resource minimization. CitySwift also rolled out APAC-specific capabilities following its Hong Kong partnership.
CitySwift’s culture blends deep bus industry expertise with data-scientific rigor, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and support for cleaner, greener transportation. The company fosters transparency, collaboration, and empowerment through trusted, data-led decision-making. Its stated mission is to drive bus usage, boost passenger experience, and enable sustainable, efficient operations for cities and transit operators, underpinned by an inclusive, growth-oriented work environment.
CitySwift serves commercial operators, transit authorities, and transport groups, notably National Express, Go-Ahead Group, Transport for Wales, Metroline, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Blackpool Transport, and Citybus (Hong Kong). The platform’s customer base increased by 150% in the last year, reaching all major UK cities and notable global partners. The user community is composed of operations analysts, data scientists, fleet managers, and senior executives seeking reliable, actionable intelligence for network performance. CitySwift actively engages with its user community through consultation, collaborative product development, and support services.
