With the increase of digitisation and improvements in the road infrastructure, the India Bus Track Report released by Prakash Sangam, CEO of redBus India, shows significant growth and service enhancement in the country's intercity bus sector. This report is not just a collection of data; it's a comprehensive reflection of the current state and potential future of intercity bus travel in India, a sector that plays a pivotal role in the country's transportation narrative.
Understanding the need for such a report requires a dive into the complexities of India's intercity bus market. The country's road network, the second-largest globally, is a labyrinth of varied regulations, multiple operators, and a plethora of permit types, making it a complex ecosystem to navigate. Unlike the railways or aviation sectors, the absence of a unified data source exacerbates the challenge for operators, policymakers, and stakeholders to make informed decisions. Enter the India Bus Track Report, an endeavour by redBus, India's largest bus-ticketing platform, to fill this data void by leveraging its extensive digital connections with over 4,400 bus operators.
Key Insights From The Report
Travel Patterns and Preferences: The report indicates a robust preference for comfort among travellers, with a significant majority opting for AC and sleeper buses. This trend aligns with the broader consumer behaviour of seeking more aspirational and comfortable travel options as incomes rise in India.
Market Dynamics: With over 3.6 crore people choosing bus travel during the observed period, the data underscores the critical role of buses as a lifeline in India's transportation ecosystem. Buses not only provide an affordable and accessible option but also cater to a demographic that railways and flights might not reach.
Digital Penetration and Market Segmentation: The digital footprint is expanding, with a notable shift towards Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities driving the booking volume. This shift is emblematic of the broader digital adoption across the country, post-COVID-19, and highlights the potential for further market penetration and growth in these regions.
Policy Implications: The GST imposition on non-AC bus bookings underscores a policy paradox. While aimed at enhancing tax compliance, it inadvertently impacts the price-sensitive segment of the market, potentially hindering digital booking adoption among the economically lower strata. Addressing such policy challenges could catalyse growth and inclusivity in the sector.
Infrastructure and Future Prospects: The report underscores the need for improved infrastructure, like boarding points and expressways, to support the burgeoning bus travel demand. The case study of the Samruddhi Expressway exemplifies how infrastructure development can significantly impact travel times, operational efficiency, and market growth.
The redBus India Bus Track Report is a lens through which the intercity bus sector's nuances are brought to the forefront, offering a foundation for strategic decision-making and policy formulation. As this report evolves with subsequent quarterly editions, it will not only track the sector's progress but also highlight areas where focused interventions could catalyse transformative changes. Furthermore, due to the small number of EV buses in the country, the report does not carry their contribution. However, Prakash promises this will soon be a separate section in the Bus Track Report.