redBus has released the fourth edition of its India BusTrack Report, covering the period from July to September 2024. This data-driven report focuses on key trends in the Indian intercity bus industry, specifically private bus operators. The report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s health and performance, helping stakeholders make informed decisions about operations, route optimisation, and policy planning.
During the reported period, the Indian intercity bus market saw a gross ticketing value of INR 40.08 billion, with over 5,000 active private bus operators serving 44.78 million passengers. The network has expanded significantly, with almost 500,000 unique routes now connecting 10,000 towns across India, reflecting a 30,000 increase in new bus routes since the previous quarter. This expansion has brought the bus network’s reach on par with that of the railway system.
Passenger preferences reveal a growing demand for comfort, with 67 per cent opting for AC buses and 51 per cent choosing sleeper buses. Hybrid buses, which combine sleeper and seater options, have grown by 40 per cent year-on-year and now account for 30 per cent of the fleet. Additionally, Sundays saw the highest travel volume, while Tuesdays and Thursdays recorded the least activity.
The report also highlights demographic trends, noting that millennials (aged 26-36 years) are the dominant passenger group. Importantly, 33 per cent of passengers were female, and 54 per cent of bookings were for solo travellers. Insights like these, along with trends in booking patterns, can guide bus operators, policymakers, and investors towards a more efficient and innovative bus travel ecosystem.The India BusTrack Report will be published quarterly and is available for free on the redBus platform for those interested in understanding the evolving intercity bus sector in India.
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