In a significant move to enhance public transit efficiency and pave the way for integrated mobility in Bengaluru, WRI India, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), and Villgro have launched the Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) Challenge, known as Enroute.
The challenge was officially launched on Wednesday by former Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Gowda. The event also saw participation from key figures such as Maheshwar Rao, Managing Director of BMRCL, Pawan Mulukutla, Executive Director of WRI India, Vijay Kovvali from CiSTUP, IISc, and Sujith Nair, CEO of the Federation for Interoperability in Digital Economy (FIDE).
One of the primary obstacles to seamless commuting in Bengaluru is the lack of comprehensive data on how people use various modes of transportation on a daily basis. The MaaS Challenge aims to address this by encouraging startups to harness transit data—such as ridership statistics, fare information, and high-frequency routes—from the BMTC and BMRCL. The goal is to develop integrated platforms that make commuting more convenient for citizens.
The challenge focuses on several key areas, including the integration of online ticketing systems and live tracking of buses and metro services. Ideally, such an integrated platform would provide commuters with real-time updates on public transit schedules and allow them to pay a single fare across different modes of transportation.
Rajeev Gowda emphasized that accessible data would enable public transport planners and government agencies to collaborate more effectively in creating a unified transportation platform. He noted, “This challenge can serve as a model for transit networks across the country.”
During a panel discussion, experts highlighted the current fragmentation of transport data and stressed the importance of collaboration in improving mobility. Sujith Nair remarked, “Data alone isn’t enough. It’s crucial to focus on what works at scale, rather than simply scaling up what works.”
The Enroute challenge represents a significant opportunity for startups to contribute to the future of urban mobility in Bengaluru, with the potential to set a precedent for cities across India.
