47 pc of Mumbai’s bus commuters use city travel apps
A growing number of commuters are turning to digital solutions for daily travel
Mumbai, India’s bustling metropolis is experiencing a transformative shift in its public transportation system. Amid chronic traffic congestion and pollution, a growing number of commuters are turning to digital solutions for daily travel, 47 pc of Mumbai’s bus riders now book tickets through city travel apps says IAMAI, reflecting changing urban mobility trends.
According to a press statement the survey was conducted by the Internet and Mobile Association of India in collaboration with Grant Thornton, titled Connected Commutes 2024. The survey engaged over 1,400 participants.
According to the survey, 26 pc of commuters emphasised the importance of a user-friendly interface, while 27 pc prioritised access to real-time seat availability.
It adds that 21 pc of commuters valued accurate real-time bus tracking, while 12 pc sought personalised tariff options.
IAMAI says the city travel apps have revolutionised ticketing with digital pass systems, offering seamless, contactless ticket management and eliminating the need for cash transactions.
The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) has led this digital shift, with its live tracking app surpassing 6 million downloads in under two years.
It adds that city travel apps offer benefits like route optimisation, reduced operational inefficiencies, and increased profitability. They improve bus travel with live tracking, online ticketing, and route-finding, boosting ridership and reducing congestion. The apps also support local businesses, cut reliance on private vehicles, and lower carbon emissions.
Dhruv Chopra
“The findings of ‘Connected Commutes 2024’ underline the role of city travel apps in transforming urban bus travel, delivering substantial benefits to commuters, the environment, and the economy. By fostering strategic partnerships and driving continuous innovation, these apps are poised to significantly improve urban mobility, making public transportation a more practical, sustainable, and hopefully a default choice for millions,” says Dhruv Chopra, co-founder, Chalo Mobility Private Limited and member of the TravelTech Committee of IAMAI.
