AbhiBus bets on AI and customer experience to drive next phase of growth. As India's intercity bus travel market continues to evolve, AbhiBus is expanding its focus beyond ticket booking to deliver technology-driven solutions for both passengers and bus operators. Speaking to MOTORINDIA on the sidelines of Prawaas 5.0, Mr. Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus, shared how the company is leveraging artificial intelligence, data intelligence and customer-centric innovations to redefine the bus travel experience while helping operators improve efficiency and profitability. AI-Driven Tools for Smarter Operations One of the company's biggest announcements at Prawaas 5.0 was the launch of BusGDS.ai, an AI-powered software platform for private bus operators. Built on AbhiBus' extensive transaction data, the platform provides operators with intelligent insights into route demand, occupancy patterns and pricing, enabling them to make better operational decisions. Explaining the rationale behind the new platform, Sharma said the company wanted to democratise access to business intelligence. "The highest amount of time operators spend is figuring out which routes to operate. That data is not available anywhere because it is our internal data. With BusGDS, operators can simply ask the platform whether they should shift buses to another route, and it provides recommendations based on occupancy and demand," he said. The platform also offers AI-driven pricing intelligence and significantly simplifies migration from existing GDS platforms. Sharma believes these capabilities will benefit not only large fleet operators but also smaller businesses that often lack access to sophisticated analytical tools. "If your GDS itself tells you whether your pricing is right, it gives you reassurance. It becomes like getting a second opinion from a specialist," he remarked. Delivering Peace of Mind for Passengers While technology remains a key differentiator, Sharma emphasised that every innovation at AbhiBus starts with the customer. The company recently introduced Roadside Assistance (RSA), under which passengers are provided alternate transport if a bus breaks down, alongside its 'Assured' programme that offers instant refunds and service guarantees when promised amenities or services fall short. "Our focus has always been on customer retention. We are not worried about how fast the market is growing; we want to make the same customer choose a bus instead of a flight or train by giving them more than they expect," Sharma said. He explained that many of these initiatives have emerged from listening directly to customer experiences. Whether it is assisting stranded passengers after cancellations or compensating travellers when onboard facilities fail, the objective is to build trust in bus travel. "If we can consistently provide peace of mind to passengers, we will start competing not just with other bus booking platforms but also with airlines and railways," he observed. Looking ahead, Sharma expects customer-centric innovation to remain the company's primary growth driver. Alongside AI-powered solutions for operators, AbhiBus is introducing tailored offerings for students, women and senior citizens, reinforcing its belief that solving genuine customer problems will continue to differentiate the brand in an increasingly competitive market.

AbhiBus launches industry-first Roadside Assistance for bus breakdowns on highways. * June 12, 2026 7:02 AM Assures cab support within 45 minutes in case of mid-journey bus breakdowns Hyderabad/Gurugram, India, 12th June 2026: AbhiBus (ixigo's bus business), one of India's leading online bus ticketing platforms, today announced the launch of an industry-first Roadside Assistance program designed to support travellers in the event of a bus breakdown during their journey. Under this initiative, if a bus booked through AbhiBus experiences a breakdown en route, the platform will arrange a cab within 45 minutes, ensuring passengers can continue their journey with minimal disruption and greater peace of mind. The service will be provided at no additional cost to travellers, with AbhiBus bearing the entire cost of the alternate transport. Bus travel has witnessed significant growth across India, particularly in Tier II and Tier III markets. While bus operators continue to maintain high service standards, unforeseen mechanical or service-related issues can occasionally occur. With the launch of Roadside Assistance, AbhiBus is extending its responsibility beyond ticket confirmation and stepping in when travellers need support the most. By introducing guaranteed cab support within 45 minutes during breakdowns, AbhiBus aims to address one of the biggest anxieties associated with bus travel-being stranded on the highway. The initiative reflects the company's continued focus on building greater reliability, accountability and trust in intercity bus travel across India. Commenting on the launch, Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus, said, "Consumer empathy is at the heart of everything we do. We go to great lengths to partner with trusted operators and help travellers make informed choices through quality and safety-focused features. At the same time, we recognise that unexpected disruptions like bus breakdowns can be stressful, especially during long or late-night journeys. With Roadside Assistance, we're ensuring that our customers are never left stranded. For us, the travel experience doesn't end at booking- it continues throughout the journey, and we're committed to being there when our customers need us the most." The company has also launched a new campaign featuring iconic dancer and actor Prabhu Deva to promote its Roadside Assistance service. The Roadside Assistance program strengthens AbhiBus' commitment to delivering a seamless and dependable travel experience and complements its broader suite of customer-first offerings. These include Abhi Assured, which provides up to 150% refunds; the Filter New Bus feature, which enables users to choose between newer and older buses before booking; and 360-degree bus photos that allow travellers to view the actual bus interior and exterior before confirming their seats. 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 57 crore Annual Active Users in FY26, ixigo offers AI-powered train, flight, bus, and hotel bookings through its platforms - ixigo, ConfirmTkt, and AbhiBus. Disclaimer: The content provided in this section is part of a third party press release service and does not reflect the editorial views or opinions of IANS. The responsibility for the accuracy, authenticity, and legality of the information lies solely with the content provider. IANS assumes no liability for the content published under this arrangement and encourages readers to verify the information independently before consuming it.