By BD Narayankar
Bengaluru, Aug 31 (UNI) AbhiBus COO Rohit Sharma on Friday said his company is catering more than 60 percent of bus tickets in India to pin codes with populations of less than one lakh, highlighting the bus industry's critical role in serving rural areas.
Speaking to UNI at Prawaas 4.0 on Saturday, Sharma explained that buses often reach areas that trains do not, providing essential connectivity to remote regions without railway stations.
"These figures underline the unique appeal of the bus business, particularly in rural Bharat, where over 60 percent of transactions are directed," Sharma said, emphasising the importance of reaching underserved areas.
When questioned about the operations of government-run Road Transport Corporations (RTCs) listed with AbhiBus, Sharma noted that many services are not solely profit-driven. "RTCs serve routes that private operators often ignore, especially in villages. It’s not just about business; it’s about providing service to areas that need it," he said.
Sharma highlighted the potential long-term benefits of catering to rural customers, noting that a traveler using RTCs today might shift to private operators tomorrow, ensuring future business opportunities.
Sharma also pointed out that innovations such as vehicle and bus tracking, traditionally prioritised for private operators, are now being extended to RTCs. Passengers using RTC services receive the same conveniences, including WhatsApp notifications about their journeys, despite the additional costs involved. "This is part of our philosophy: ‘Seva nahi hai toh meva nahi hai’ (Without service, there is no reward)," Sharma remarked, reflecting the company’s focus on service.
This approach has fostered a loyal customer base that frequently returns and engages in multiple transactions, Sharma added. "The commitment to serving customers first has proven beneficial, as it builds and maintains customer loyalty."
The growing emphasis on service over profit demonstrates the bus industry's vital role in connecting rural India and building lasting customer relationships, reshaping public transport dynamics across the country.
Sharma also pointed to the surge in e-vehicle adaptation as a game-changer for the bus industry. "If a bus sells online, we have it," he remarked, noting the inclusion of major e-vehicle service providers like Greensell, Mobility, Freshbus, and others.
The company’s dedicated sales team actively seeks new service providers nationwide, underscoring the power of online adoption and driving growth in the e-vehicle segment. “The growth in e-vehicles is exciting,” Sharma added, reflecting the industry’s enthusiasm for greener alternatives.
Regarding e-bus availability through their platform, Sharma detailed two segments: privately owned and RTCs, specifically e-Garuda. “The privately owned segment consists of 2-3 large players, collectively operating around 1,000 buses. The RTCs’ e-Garuda segment has around 5,000 to 6,000 buses, with numbers steadily increasing,” Sharma revealed. He projected that the current market share of electric buses, which stands at about 5%, could potentially double to 10% in the next year.
Innovations like vehicle and bus tracking, traditionally prioritized for private operators, are now extended to RTCs. Passengers benefit from services like WhatsApp notifications, enhancing convenience despite added costs. Sharma’s philosophy, “Seva nahi hai toh meva nahi hai” (Without service, there is no reward), underscores the company’s service-first approach.
“This commitment has built a strong, loyal customer base that frequently returns and engages in multiple transactions,” Sharma stated, pointing to the company’s emphasis on serving customers above all else. By prioritizing service, the company has forged lasting connections, proving that catering to rural India transcends business—it’s about creating deep-rooted bonds with its people. UNI BDN SSP