In a transformative move for Malaysia’s public transportation system, redBus, the world’s largest public transport e-ticketing platform, is set to leverage the high internet usage rates among Malaysians to introduce digital innovations to meet the evolving needs of consumers. Statistics reveal that 80% of Malaysians are active internet users and 94% in urban areas show a preference for digital transactions over traditional payment methods.
During an insightful discussion between Astro AWANI and Krishnan Ramaswami, Chief Business Officer for International Business at redBus, the potential impacts of digital platforms and online booking systems on Malaysia’s bus travel industry were explored. Ramaswami shared how redBus has significantly contributed to the bus industry’s growth by introducing technology that benefits both operators and travelers.
Since its inception in India in 2006, redBus has expanded its services to Malaysia in 2015, quickly becoming the largest online ticketing platform for buses in the country. Not just India and South East Asia, redBus is also revolutionising bus travel in Latin America as well as in Peru and Columbia
The platform has been instrumental in making bus journeys safer, more reliable, and predictable by providing a suite of products that help operators manage their inventory and operations more efficiently. Ramaswami emphasized how redBus is tapping on user-generated content to ensure safety and convenience for travelers – enabling safer boarding and drop-off points, making bus journeys predictable and reliable.
He further added how flexibility features like reschedule and cancellation have helped streamline bus booking for both operators and passengers with online bus booking.
The conversation also touched on the broader implications of redBus’s services promoting Malaysia’s tourism sector. Krishnan highlighted that more than 15% of redBus bookings are towards tourist destinations, or jetty’s in Malaysia which act as gateways to island destinations. These bookings increase up to 20-25% during peak vacation periods of Christmas and New Year. He also added that to cater to the evergrowing needs of the Malaysian tourism industry, redBus has recently launched “things to do” offerings, allowing users to book attractions and activities alongside their bus journeys all at one place – redBus.
When questioned about the public transport congestion issue in Malaysia, Krishnan highlighted how redBus’s technological advancements, like the introduction of QR code boarding passes, have significantly reduced congestion at key bus terminals like Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. These boarding passes can be operated at the Turn Style and you can board your bus directly. Read more about QR Code Boarding Pass at TBS
redBus is focused on further innovations, such as enabling real-time bus tracking and working with the Malaysian government on initiatives to enhance Last Mile connectivity through public transport. These efforts align with Malaysia’s vision for smart cities and sustainable transport solutions, underscoring redBus’s commitment to improving public transportation for Malaysians and contributing to the country’s economic and environmental goals.
As redBus continues to work closely with bus operators and the government, the future of Malaysia’s public transport system looks promising, with digital innovations paving the way for a more efficient, safe, and user-friendly travel experience.
