BMTC to share real-time bus data with mobility platforms in Bengaluru

The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is preparing to share real-time bus transit data with third-party mobility platforms, a long-pending move expected to make public transport information more accessible and help commuters plan journeys involving multiple modes of transport.

In the initial phase, BMTC is planning to provide its transit data to Namma Yatri, Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), and Tummoc, according to officials. The initiative is expected to enable passengers to access updated bus information through these applications and coordinate their journeys with Namma Metro, autorickshaw, and other transport services.

Sharing BMTC’s transit information with third-party applications has been a longstanding demand among commuters and mobility platforms. The absence of integrated bus data has limited the ability of these applications to provide comprehensive travel options, particularly for passengers who depend on buses to reach Namma Metro stations, railway stations, and other destinations.

BMRCL already shares data

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) shares transit information with third-party mobility applications, enabling users to access metro-related details through external platforms. Under an open-data framework, BMRCL provides operational information in the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) format, an internationally recognised standard for publishing public transport data. The framework enables developers and mobility service providers to access information on routes, schedules, station details, and other operational particulars for integration into their applications.

Talks in progress

A senior BMTC official said, “The corporation is in discussions with Namma Yatri, BIAL, and Tummoc to facilitate the sharing of transit information. Once the integration process is completed, commuters will be able to track BMTC buses through these applications.

“Namma Yatri, which operates on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), could incorporate BMTC bus services and Namma Metro connections into its journey-planning features, allowing passengers to explore different travel combinations within a single application.”

Platforms such as Tummoc and Namma Yatri can use public transport data to develop multimodal journey-planning services. This would allow commuters to identify routes combining a BMTC bus ride, a Namma Metro journey, and an autorickshaw trip, reducing the need to switch between separate applications to obtain travel information and arrange last-mile connectivity.

BIAL could also use BMTC’s data to provide information on Vayu Vajra airport bus services through BLR Pulse, its official mobile application for airport passengers and other users. Access to bus routes and schedules through the application could help travellers plan their journeys to and from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) more conveniently.

As part of the proposed initiative, BMTC is expected to make information covering its extensive network of bus routes, stops, schedules, and fares available in the GTFS format. Making these details accessible to mobility platforms could help improve coordination between different public transport services and make it easier for commuters to identify suitable connections.

Namma BMTC Mobile App update

Meanwhile, BMTC has upgraded its digital services with the launch of the Namma BMTC Mobile App 2.0. The application brings several commuter services together, allowing users to purchase bus tickets and digital passes, plan routes, track buses in real time, and buy Namma Metro tickets through a single platform.