hoW to play it

moovit represents a key, consumer-focused step in the digital transformation of cities. but at the next level of abstraction, governments need to provide underlying technology that allows buses, trains, taxis and cars to achieve total awareness of each other and the terrain. Into this breach comes tech-services firms like PTC, which develops software overlays that help make the connections seamless. municipalities and companies use its ThingWorx platform to quickly build, analyze and manage transportation networks. Vodafone is using PTC’s smart City solutions to help reduce traffic congestion already. soon the firm will also provide smart lighting, parking and air-monitoring services. The $7.2 billion boston company logged $144 million in bookings in the latest quarter. PTC shares are up 40% this year and 225% over the past five years.

Jon D. Markman is president of Markman Capital Insight.