Uber App Adds Intercity Bus Booking with AbhiBus’s 6 Lakh+ Routes

From Left to Right: Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus; Lenin Koduru, CEO, AbhiBus; Praveen Neppalli Naga, Chief Technology Officer, Uber; Manikandan Thangarathnam, Senior Director (Mobility & Platforms), Uber India

AbhiBus (ixigo’s bus business), one of India’s leading online bus ticketing platforms, has partnered with Uber to power intercity bus ticket bookings within the Uber app.

Uber users across India can now book intercity bus tickets directly within the app, leveraging AbhiBus’s robust inventory and booking technology. Through this partnership, users gain access to AbhiBus’s extensive network of over 6 lakh routes operated by over 6,200 bus operators nationwide.

To book, users can navigate to the Home or Services section on the Uber app and select the “Intercity” option. After entering their origin, destination and travel date, they can browse available bus services, choose preferred seats and complete their booking smoothly within the app using integrated payment options.

Powered by AbhiBus’s end-to-end booking technology and deep operator integrations, Uber users can discover and compare bus options, check real-time seat availability and select preferred seats directly within the app. They can also filter by bus types such as AC, Sleeper, Seater, Volvo and Scania, view 360° bus photos on select routes, track live bus status, opt for Abhi Assured with defined compensation benefits in case of service disruptions, and access 24×7 customer support. The partnership expands Uber’s mobility ecosystem beyond intra-city rides by integrating bus travel into a single app, enabling users to plan both short-distance and intercity journeys seamlessly.

Speaking on this, Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus, said, "This partnership with Uber represents a significant milestone for intercity travel in India. By integrating AbhiBus's deep operator network and booking technology into the Uber app, we are bringing over 6 lakh routes directly to millions of users - making bus travel discovery as seamless as booking a cab. With Uber's reach and AbhiBus's deep expertise in powering seamless bus travel experiences, we are setting a new benchmark for how India books its intercity journeys."

Praveen Neppalli Naga, Chief Technology Officer, Uber, added, “We are excited to partner with AbhiBus and bring intercity bus travel into the Uber app. At Uber, our mission is to make movement seamless for everyone and integrating AbhiBus's extensive bus network directly into our platform is a natural extension of that vision. AbhiBus brings unmatched depth in bus inventory and operator integrations, and together we are unlocking a new dimension of mobility for millions of Indians.”

With this partnership, AbhiBus further strengthens its footprint in powering intercity bus travel across diverse platforms, making seamless and reliable bus booking more accessible to millions of travellers.

About AbhiBus

AbhiBus is a leading online bus-ticketing platform that aggregates ticket inventory from over 6,200 bus operators - including major State Road Transport Corporations (SRTCs), covering more than 6.5 lakh (650,000+) routes across India. The AbhiBus website and apps allow users to check amenities provided by bus operators, compare booking fares, check bus timings in the searched route, live tracking of the bus before arrival, cancellation protection options and other facilities. It is the official ticketing partner for several state road transport corporation bus tickets and IRCTC bus bookings.

AbhiBus is owned and operated by ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Limited), India’s leading OTA for the Next Billion Users. With over 54 crore Annual Active Users in FY25, ixigo offers AI-powered train, flight, bus, and hotel bookings through its platforms - ixigo, ConfirmTkt, and AbhiBus.

UP Roadways (UPSRTC) Deploys AI Across 115 Bus Depots

Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will deploy an AI-enabled Integrated Depot Management System (IDMS) across 115 depots over the next two years, aiming to improve passenger safety, operational transparency, and efficiency. The project is backed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with funding of over ₹30 crore.

Key Highlights of the AI Deployment

• Scope: Implementation across 115 depots of UPSRTC.
• Fleet Size Impacted: Over 14,000 buses.
• Funding: More than ₹30 crore sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Timeline: Rollout planned over two years.
• System Name: Integrated Depot Management System (IDMS) under the Centre’s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) scheme.

Features of the AI System

• Passenger Safety: AI will monitor fleet operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Transparency: Digitization of depot operations will reduce manual errors and improve accountability.
• Efficiency Gains:
  • Fleet Operations: Real-time tracking and scheduling.
  • Fuel Management: Automated monitoring to prevent leakages and misuse.
• Depot Modernization: Streamlined workflows, reduced paperwork, and faster decision-making.

Why This Matters

Aspect	Current Challenges	AI System Benefits
Passenger Safety	Manual checks, inconsistent records	Automated monitoring, predictive alerts
Transparency	Risk of human error, manipulation	Digital logs, audit trails
Fuel Management	Leakages, inefficiency	Real-time tracking, reduced wastage
Operations	Paper-based, slow processes	Digitized, faster, more reliable

Risks & Considerations

• Implementation Complexity: Rolling out across 115 depots requires strong coordination and training.
• Data Security: AI systems must safeguard sensitive passenger and operational data.
• Adoption Resistance: Depot staff may need extensive training to adapt to digitized workflows.
• Maintenance Costs: Long-term upkeep of AI systems could add financial pressure.

Broader Context

• This initiative aligns with India’s push for smart transport infrastructure under the ITS scheme.
• Similar AI-driven systems are being piloted in metro rail and private fleet management, indicating a nationwide trend toward digitized mobility solutions.

UPSRTC’s AI rollout across 115 depots is ambitious, but when compared to Delhi and Singapore, it’s clear Uttar Pradesh is catching up rather than leading. Delhi is already experimenting with AI-driven bus scheduling, while Singapore has gone further with predictive maintenance and even autonomous bus pilots.

Comparative Overview

Region/Operator	AI Focus Area	Scale & Impact	Key Benefits
Uttar Pradesh (UPSRTC)	Integrated Depot Management System (IDMS)	115 depots, 14,000 buses	Passenger safety, transparency, fuel management, digitized depot ops
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC)	Automated Bus Scheduling & Route Management	Pilots underway, real-time demand-based scheduling	Reduced overcrowding, shorter wait times, optimized routes
Singapore (SBS Transit)	Predictive Maintenance + Autonomous Bus Pilots	Covers 62% of fleet, 1,000 buses already fitted	20% drop in breakdowns, improved safety, autonomous bus trials

Insights from the Comparison

• UPSRTC (India – Uttar Pradesh): Focused on digitizing depot operations—a foundational step. It addresses transparency and safety but is more about modernization than cutting-edge AI.
• Delhi (India – DTC): Already leveraging real-time passenger demand and traffic data to dynamically adjust bus schedules. This is more advanced than UPSRTC’s depot digitization, as it directly impacts passenger experience.
• Singapore (SBS Transit): Far ahead, using AI-powered predictive maintenance to reduce breakdowns and piloting autonomous buses. This represents a leap from operational efficiency to futuristic mobility.

Risks & Trade-offs

• UPSRTC: Needs strong training and adoption among depot staff; risk of implementation delays.
• DTC: Real-time scheduling requires reliable data streams; risk of system failure during peak hours.
• Singapore: High upfront costs and regulatory hurdles for autonomous buses; public acceptance is still evolving.

Global Positioning

• India (UPSRTC & DTC): Still in the digitization and optimization phase, focusing on transparency and efficiency.
• Singapore: Already in the predictive and autonomous phase, setting benchmarks for global transport innovation.

In short, UPSRTC’s AI deployment is a modernization push, Delhi is experimenting with passenger-centric AI scheduling, and Singapore is pioneering predictive and autonomous transport systems.

China’s Hellobike, Ant, and CATL Team Up to Reboot Urban Mobility with Robotaxis

In a bold stride toward redefining urban transportation, China's Hellobike has teamed up with Ant Group and CATL to launch a dedicated robotaxi venture. With an investment of over 3 billion yuan (approximately $417 million), this collaboration aims to go beyond autonomous vehicles, laying the foundation for a green, intelligent, and deeply integrated mobility ecosystem.

Founded in 2016 by Han Mei, Jiang Wei, Li Kaizhu, and Yang Lei, Hellobike—officially Hello TransTech—has rapidly evolved from a modest bike-sharing startup into a shared mobility powerhouse. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company initially caught attention with its focus on accessible and scalable bike services. Its acquisition by Youon Bike in 2017 didn’t slow its pace; instead, Hellobike expanded into e-bikes, carpooling, and ride-hailing—building the operational backbone that now supports its robotaxi ambitions.

So, what’s behind this high-octane trio?

• Hellobike contributes its deep operational know-how and user-facing mobility infrastructure.
• Ant Group injects cutting-edge digital technologies like AI, blockchain, and carbon credit tracking into the venture.
• CATL, the battery titan, powers the vision with its advanced energy solutions—including sodium-ion batteries and battery-swap innovation.

Their combined goal is a smart “vehicle-battery-cloud” system aimed at slashing 150,000 tons of carbon emissions annually while increasing operational efficiency by 30%. The first phase includes deploying 100,000 electric vehicles and 500 intelligent battery-swap cabinets across 20 cities, including Shanghai and Chengdu.

This isn’t just another autonomous driving experiment—it’s a blueprint for how fintech, clean energy, and shared mobility can converge to create scalable solutions for 21st-century cities. For markets like India watching from afar, the Hellobike model might offer inspiration for how homegrown mobility players and tech giants could team up to catalyze similar change.

IIIT-Delhi Startup Chartr Achieves Landmark Full Tech Transfer, Pioneering Academic Innovation

In a rare and exemplary instance of academic research translating into real-world innovation, Chartr, a startup incubated at the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), has successfully completed the full transfer of technology developed at the institute.

The startup has not only commercialized products based on deep research but has also completed all formal licensing processes with the institute — a milestone that is among very few of its kind in the Indian higher education ecosystem.

Founded by Dr. Pravesh Biyani, faculty at IIIT-Delhi, Chartr builds on over seven years of rigorous research and development in the area of urban mobility and public systems optimization. What started as academic inquiry has now evolved into a suite of products deployed with government and institutional clients, reflecting meaningful societal impact.

“This moment is deeply personal and professional for me,” said Dr. Pravesh Biyani. “Translating academic research into functioning products, navigating the challenges of deployment, and building a startup that survives the early hurdles — all while maintaining integrity to licensing norms — is rare. I’m proud that we could do it, and even prouder that we could do it here, at IIIT-Delhi. The policies and people here enabled me to focus on solving real problems, not paperwork.”

He added, “This milestone is not just about a transaction — it represents years of perseverance, team effort, and an institutional culture that supports innovation. We are now entering a far tougher phase — of proving product sustainability and revenue strength — but having reached here gives us the confidence to climb higher.”

Chartr’s achievement highlights the strength of IIIT-Delhi’s enabling ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. Chartr has emerged as a pioneering force in public mobility solutions, offering real-time transit tracking, data-driven decision support tools, and citizen engagement platforms. Its systems are already live in multiple Indian cities, helping municipal bodies streamline bus operations, reduce commuter wait times, and improve service reliability. Chartr’s work has been recognized for effectively bridging academic research and public service, making complex transit systems more accessible, accountable, and efficient for everyday users.

Prof. Ranjan Bose, Director of IIIT-Delhi, stated, “This is a proud moment for us. Chartr’s journey exemplifies how academic research, when supported by forward-looking institutional policies, can make tangible impact. It sets a precedent and shows that Indian academic institutions can be fertile ground for world-class innovation.”

As Chartr moves into its next phase — scaling operations, ensuring recurring revenue, and deepening customer relationships — the story serves as an inspiring model for future faculty-led startups, and a powerful validation of IIIT-Delhi’s commitment to nurturing innovation with purpose.

Tata YU Concept: How Tata Motors is Reinventing Urban Mobility

In a rapidly evolving world of smart mobility, Tata Motors has unveiled a bold new concept—the Tata YU autonomous vehicle. Designed for the future, YU is not just a car; it’s a dual-purpose transport solution, catering to both passenger commuting & cargo delivery. With urban landscapes becoming increasingly congested, Tata YU aims to redefine last-mile logistics while embracing cutting-edge autonomous technology.  

What is Tata YU?

Tata YU is a compact, self-driving vehicle designed to seamlessly transition between cargo transport and passenger mobility. The concept, patented in March 2025, reflects Tata Motors' ambitions for next-gen urban mobility solutions.

The concept vehicle has been developed in a 6-month Tata Motors-sponsored project at Strate School of Design, Bangalore with design ideas of Ansuman Mallik and Atmaj Verma under the mentorship and guidance of Tata Motors and Design School experts — Ajay Jain (Tata Motors), Edmund Spitz (HOD of the Transportation Design, Strate School of Design, Bangalore), and Thomas Dal (Dean, Strate School of Design Bangalore).

Image – Rushlane.com

Unlike traditional autonomous vehicle concepts focused solely on passenger transport, YU merges self-driving technology with smart logistics, catering to India's rapidly growing gig economy and e-commerce boom.

For daily commuters, Tata YU promises hassle-free rides, eliminating dependence on human drivers while ensuring a smooth, Al-driven experience. For businesses, YU enhances delivery efficiency, tackling last-mile logistics with precision, making e-commerce more cost-effective.

Key Features:  

• Autonomous Driving: AI-powered sensors andadvanced navigation systems allow YU to operatewithout human intervention.  
• Dual-Mode Operation: The vehicle canswitch between delivery mode and passenger mode, making it adaptable for different uses.
• Smart Logistics Integration: AI-driven automation helps sort, prioritize, and optimize deliveries for maximum efficiency.  
• Compact Urban Design: At 3,700 mm long, 1,500 mm wide, and 1,800 mm high, YU is perfect for dense city environments.
• Hub-Mounted Motors: Innovative wheel hub motors enhance maneuverability and efficiency.  

YU’s Role in India’s Autonomous Mobility Revolution

Image - Behance.net (Ansuman Malik and Atmaj Varma)

Image - Behance.net (Ansuman Malik and Atmaj Varma) 

Image - Behance.net (Ansuman Malik and Atmaj Varma) 

India’s urban mobility is undergoing a transformation, with companies racing to develop autonomous vehicle solutions that suit local conditions. Tata YU stands out as a versatile approach, addressing challenges in gig economy transport, smart city logistics, and last-mile deliveries.  

Currently, Tata YU is in its concept stage, with no confirmed production timeline. However, as India moves toward autonomous mobility regulations, YU could become a game-changer for urban transport, shaping smarter cities and next-gen logistics networks.

Whether it's a ride to work or a package arriving at your doorstep, Tata YU is built for a future where mobility is autonomous, Al-driven, and effortlessly efficient.

Future Prospects  

While Tata YU remains a concept vehicle, its potential in driverless transport and smart logistics could make it a cornerstone of India's mobility evolution. As government regulations on autonomous vehicles and Terahertz-based sensing technologies progress, YU might become a reality by 2030 or beyond.  

The era of AI-driven transport has arrived, and Tata YU could be at the heart of it.

All Images except Rushlane.com's sourced from Behance.net/Ansuman Malik & Atmaj Varma 

Uber Launches Report on Future of Cities and Shared Mobility

• Leapfrog private car ownership, rethink parking and street design for sustainability
• Shift to sustainable transport options can improve mobility access for everyone
• Public-private collaboration holds the key to smart mobility

Uber today launched a report titled ‘Future of Cities & Shared Mobility in India’ that analyzes transportation trends in Urban India and recommends changes required for a sustainable future. Commissioned by Uber, and compiled by WXY Studio, a New York-based organization specializing in urban design & planning, the report’s findings and recommendations focus on the need to support shared mobility, move people more efficiently and affordably, and curb the country’s growing demand for private car ownership.

The report was presented today in the national capital to Hon'ble Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Puri, by the Uber India & South Asia - President, Prabhjeet Singh. As per the report, India has an opportunity to leapfrog an era of auto dependency by fast-tracking innovative mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) solutions and rethinking parking policies and street design. This will help create a new paradigm for smart, equitable development in a rapidly urbanized setting and help India improve mobility access without further increasing private vehicles on roads.

Sharing his views, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India & South Asia, said: ”At Uber, we are committed to building a sustainable future and enabling more liveable cities for all. This report outlines the role that ride-sharing platforms like ours can play in reducing traffic congestion and pollution. With smart planning, better first- and last-mile connectivity to an improved public transport system, and a stronger ecosystem encouraging transition to sustainable mobility, India can emerge stronger and compete with any city in the world.”

As per the report findings, increased demand for private car ownership, accelerated by a growing middle class and safety concerns during COVID-19, poses a challenge to India’s sustainable mobility future. This trend can be checked by integrated transport and land use policies. By reimagining Indian roads by reallocating space from cars to non-motorized transport (NMT) and sustainable modes, and limiting free parking, cities can move closer to their sustainability goals. The expansion in access to walking, biking, reliable public transport, on-demand mobility and shared services, can enable governments to curb the growth of personal four-wheeled vehicles and improve personal mobility for all. This shift will also have a positive impact on mobility among Indians who do not own a vehicle. The report also highlights the role of stronger public-private collaboration to sustainable mobility by improving public transport and access to shared mobility.

As per recommendations to policymakers, city planners, and regulators, to improve shared mobility included in the report, the Unified Transport Bodies (UTBs) that exist across cities can be empowered to play the role of multimodal mobility managers that can better integrate shared mobility into existing transportation systems. Further, improving areas around public transport stations by requiring developers to make investments in public spaces and incentivizing the presence of neighborhood amenities in and around stations, will help improve first/last mile connectivity, and make travel safer. City planners should partner with shared mobility companies to connect underserved areas, including newly developed edge cities, and mandate major new developments to create a transport demand management plan to connect with existing networks. Lastly, as India continues to encourage transition to sustainable mobility, government subsidies for EVs should apply to more vehicles and shared fleets, while targeting lower-income households.

This report synthesizes findings from a literature review, surveys and interviews with Indian transportation practitioners and experts, and an analysis of Uber’s Rides data in four case study cities. As per surveys conducted by WXY Studio, transportation experts in India view Uber as playing an important role in the mobility ecosystem in India by improving first- and last-mile connectivity and enabling better coordination with transport operators.

You can read the full report here.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 10 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. Uber is available across 125 cities in India where people can book a ride on our app across two, three and four wheel products designed for their intracity and intercity travel needs. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.