Modeshift Celebrates Winning Two Gold Stevie Awards

Modeshift’s first-place wins in two categories solidify the company’s position as a leader in the transit technology sector

Modeshift was honored with two Gold Award Wins by the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence. The awards, judged by over 160 professionals worldwide, recognize the company’s remarkable achievements in shaping the future of transit technology. They also underscore Modeshift’s contribution to setting new standards in the industry through a clear commitment to digital equity, adaptable, user-friendly solutions, and a hands-on approach to collaboration and support.

A highly configurable, 360-degree platform built to meet the needs of agencies of all sizes

One of Modeshift’s most significant accomplishments stems from the company’s emphasis on flexibility and accessibility. Modeshift’s highly configurable, 360-degree platform is designed to meet the diverse needs of agencies of all sizes while providing deployment speeds roughly five times faster than other vendors. 

Modeshift delivers the speed and adaptability necessary to help transport agencies advance in their digital transformation without disrupting services or existing systems. The platform can be deployed in as little as 90 days and is tailored to meet each agency’s unique system requirements without adding unnecessary complexity. Integration with existing infrastructure is seamless, allowing agencies to innovate at their own pace while saving money on major overhauls.

How Modeshift is helping agencies worldwide achieve tangible results

In the last several years, Modeshift’s efforts and dedication have earned a global clientele. The company has successfully accelerated deployments, secured more agencies on board, and expanded its international reach—all while maintaining its hands-on service model. Additional features such as fare capping, unbanked rider tools, and offline ticketing have enhanced equity for all users, not just those with smartphones or credit cards.  

Modeshift’s impact has been particularly evident in rural and midsize agencies, which have long struggled to modernize their services and infrastructure. Recent deployments in North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, which included a city-wide rollout of Modeshift’s comprehensive mobility solution, perfectly demonstrate the platform’s ability to support large-scale urban systems, while still accommodating the needs of medium-sized regions such as Pennsylvania.

Modeshift’s flexibility in serving smaller urban regions shows it’s possible to develop a SaaS platform that is both responsive and affordable

Pennsylvania has emerged as a leading state among Modeshift’s partners, with over 10 agencies, including Butler Transit Authority, IndiGO, Freedom Transit, and Crawford Area Transit Authority. In 2024, the CATA transitioned to digital fare payments and saw the adoption of the Modeshift system increase to 68% in just eight months, with rates continuing to grow. The solution not only ensured a seamless transition for agencies dealing with outdated fare systems but also enhanced efficiency and rider satisfaction.

This was also the case with Freedom Transit, which struggled to find a vendor that was both flexible and responsive in creating the right platform. The agency faced limited fleet visibility, slow dispatch times, and an outdated fare payment system that failed to deliver quality user experiences. The launch of an intuitive mobile app, flexible payment options, and real-time vehicle visibility allowed both riders and operators to move forward with confidence. Modeshift’s team also provided ongoing support during each phase of implementation, including staff training and hardware installation.

Modeshift’s award-winning work in Skopje, North Macedonia, demonstrates how balancing a holistic approach with innovation yields positive results

Modeshift’s award-winning work in Skopje, North Macedonia, involved transitioning from a legacy system to a fully integrated, account-based platform with mobile ticketing and contactless payments. Although one of the company’s most complex implementations to date, the project was highly praised due to its speed, scale, and seamless execution, especially when it came to migrating 600,000 user accounts without disrupting services.  

The successful initiation of a full-scale upgrade from an outdated fare collection system to a modern, account-based solution also included comprehensive tools such as real-time analytics and a unified backend platform. The transition was completed in just three months, which allowed the transit agency to modernize its infrastructure while saving valuable time.

Modeshift’s comprehensive approach is what sets it apart from other vendors on the market

What sets Modeshift apart from its competitors is its approach to flexibility in an industry dominated by rigid, metro-focused vendors who prioritize high-value contracts over practicality. The majority of competitors typically require agencies to overhaul their entire fare collection system, often locking them into inflexible contracts that include expensive hardware and software replacements. Modeshift’s account-based platform integrates with existing agency systems, making modernization accessible to even small operators. 

Modeshift’s rollout of a modular Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) in 2024 and a farebox suite from 2025 are designed to seamlessly integrate with its core platform or into existing agency infrastructure. This solidifies Modeshift’s commitment to flexibility, offering agencies choice, rather than requirements. Agencies also receive hands-on guidance and training throughout the rollout, leading to strong relationships and positive rider experiences.

Judges’ feedback offers additional insight into why Modeshift stands out among a competitive field of global nominees

”Modeshift found its niche and delivered real value where it’s often overlooked, rural and midsize transit systems. Their flexible, non-intrusive tech model is refreshing in an industry dominated by heavyweight vendors pushing one-size-fits-all systems.”

—Stevie Award Judge

“Modeshift presents a compelling case for transforming public transit through inclusive, scalable digital fare solutions. The 68 percent adoption in CATA within just eight months illustrates both effectiveness and usability. The modular approach to vending machines and farebox integration further showcases their commitment to providing flexible and future-ready solutions.”

—Stevie Award Judge

Transit agencies shouldn’t have to choose between innovation and practicality

Modeshift’s CEO, Miroslav Katsarov, had this to say about the recent wins:

Client testimonies that speak for themselves

Modeshift’s commitment to building strong client relationships is also evident through a number of testimonies. 

Client testimony #1 

“Having cashless fare options for transit riders is an absolute must. Our rural communities have embraced this so much faster than I anticipated thanks to the great efforts of our team with the marketing and implementation but also to Modeshift for having a solution that is easy to implement, works when you need it to work and is willing to help us adapt to the technology demands we encounter. I highly recommend Modeshift and their entire team.”

—Tim Geibel, Executive Director of Crawford Area Transportation Authority

Client testimony #2  

“The biggest breakthrough for us as a transit agency was the fact that we had a vendor who was highly responsive and responsible. It really made a difference and helped solve many of the issues we were experiencing.”  

—Sheila Gombita, Executive Director of Freedom Transit 

Client testimony #3  

“Modeshift has been a godsend to work with…being very responsive, being able to understand the needs we explained, and being able to provide a product that answered those needs.…”  

—Greg Downing, Executive Director of SCTA