CABO · FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Answers to the most common questions about CABO certification — what it is, how it works, who it is for, and how to participate.
About CABO
CABO — Certification & Advisory Body for Operations — is a structured operational certification framework for public transport systems. It is built around four pillars: Governance, Operations, Execution, and Assurance (G-O-E-A).
CABO is developed and stewarded by E2Gx Mobility. Audit and certification decisions are made through an independent process to preserve certification integrity.
A traditional audit tests compliance against a fixed checklist at a single point in time. CABO certifies sustained performance across four operational domains, with continuous assurance cycles after certification.
Eligibility
Public transport operators, transport authorities, and institutions responsible for operational performance can apply. Certification scope is defined per organisation — services, depots, or regions as appropriate.
No. The four certification tiers (Foundation, Established, Advanced, Leading) recognise operators at different maturity levels. You enter the framework at the appropriate tier based on the baseline assessment.
Process
Typical duration is 6 – 12 months from initial assessment to certification, depending on the scale of operations and the maturity gap to the target tier. Continuous assurance is ongoing.
Assessment, gap identification, operational alignment, audit validation, certification issue, and continuous assurance. Each stage has defined activities, evidence, and outputs — see the Certification Process page for detail.
Yes. Certification is valid for a defined period and requires annual surveillance audits and full re-certification on a set cadence. Continuous assurance is a core principle of the framework.
Pilot
The CABO pilot programme invites an initial cohort of operators, authorities, and institutions to work through certification. Pilot participants shape the framework's evidence thresholds and audit methodology while gaining inaugural certification status.
Complete the Express Interest form on the Pilot Programme page. We respond with a 45-minute qualification call within two weeks to assess fit and define scope.
Cost & Commitment
Cost depends on the operational scope, the tier of certification, and the maturity gap to close. Pilot cohort participants engage on bespoke commercial terms — we discuss this in the qualification call.
At a minimum: a committed leadership sponsor, access to operational data and sites, and capacity to close identified gaps. The depth of capability-building required depends on the gap between current state and target tier.