RedBus
redBus provides online bus ticketing through its site iOS and Android apps. redBus India has its headquarters in Bangalore. It acts as a hub for a network that includes more than 3500 bus companies from India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Peru and Colombia. It claims to be responsible for over 180 million trips and has a customer base in excess of 20 million.
In 2013, redBus acquired the Ibibo Group. In 2017, MakeMyTrip acquired the Ibibo Group.
redBus was established in 2006 by Phanindra, Sudhakar, and Charan, engineers from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science and former colleagues. The founders invested Rs 500,000 in order to begin operations in 2006. They partnered with travel agents in order to make seat reservations on the redBus website. In the same calendar year, the company was chosen for the TiEAcceleration Program, where it was mentored in several aspects of business.
redBus is currently offering services in six countries, including India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Peru and Colombia. It offers a wide range of services to suit the needs of travelers. In India, Indonesia, Peru and Colombia, redBus offers bus tickets, train reservations and cab services in order to efficiently connect cities. redBus Malaysia and redBus Singapore offer curated travel experiences in the "Things to Do' category. It includes local attractions, exciting activities and sightseeing spots. This comprehensive guide helps travelers enhance their trips by exploring these. redBus offers seamless travel solutions for all of its countries, whether it's daily commutes or immersive experiences.
Overview
In 2014, Prakash Sangam was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the company. He had previously been the Executive Vice-President of Info Edge India (Naukri Group) and headed Shiksha.com and Jeevansathi.com.
In the same year, redBus announced a partnership with the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC), following which it started offering RSRTC bus tickets on its portal. The company also announced a collaboration with Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation, which led to the launch of RSRTC tickets on its portal.
In June 2019, redBus launched ride-sharing operations – rPool – in Bengaluru. Pune, and Hyderabad. rPool allows ride-givers and ride-takers to pool their vehicles. On 26 November 2019 redBus and Amazon India launched a service for bus ticket booking on Amazon.
During Covid redBus announced rollout of vaccinated bus services to make traveling during covid secure. It has also collaborated with Google Maps to showcase bus time and schedules to enhance user experience.
Funding
- SeedFund, as well as undisclosed investors, provided redBus with its first round of funding in 2007. SeedFund invested $500,000, while other investors contributed the remaining $500,000 to the company.
- In 2009, the company received funding of $2.5 million from Inventus Capital Partners and Seed Fund, as well as other unnamed investors.
- In 2013, redBus, a subsidiary company of South Africa’s Naspers, was acquired by Ibibo Group.
Recognition and Awards
- Fast Company named us one of the 50 most innovative companies around the globe in 2012.
- Eyefortravel 2014: Global Mobile Innovation Award
- The award for the Most Innovative Company in 2014 was given by Business Standard
- IBC InfoMedia 2015: "The Most Trusted Brand"
- Brand Trust Report India Study 2015: According to the Brand Trust Report India Study 2015, the most trusted brand is in the online travel category. It also ranks 13th in overall rankings.