New Delhi, March 26 According to a study, two-thirds of people believe that government buses offer good value for money, while half want a simpler booking process and better services after booking.
According to the study by online bus ticketing platform redBus, road transport corporations (RTCs) are highly relevant and preferred by working professionals and students.
The study is based on responses from more than 11,000 people who use government-owned intercity bus services (RTCs/STs/STUs/Roadways), a statement said.
The main reasons people choose RTCs are visiting their homes (25 per cent), travelling for festivals and special occasions like weddings (25 per cent), work (21 per cent), and studies (11 per cent), it stated.
About 52 per cent of RTC users are working professionals, and 27 per cent are students – making younger people the second largest segment of passengers.
Among those aged 18-25, 61 per cent said that education was their main reason for using RTCs, highlighting the role of state transport in enabling youth mobility.
Students were also the most price-sensitive group, with 46 per cent of them travelling in the sub-Rs 750 bracket, compared to other groups, it stated.
The study found that the average price of booking a seat (ASP) on RTCs is lower than the ASP for similar types of private buses.
RTCs are perceived as much more affordable than private buses; this may be due to the fact that RTC bus tickets have mostly fixed prices, but private bus operators change prices depending on seasonality and demand, it stated.
About 66 per cent of respondents believe that RTCs offer good value for money.
Nearly 50 per cent of respondents want easier booking and refund processes, highlighting customer convenience as a clear opportunity, it stated.