Bengaluru, Jun 13 (KNN) In a significant move aimed at boosting the efficiency of public transportation systems and enabling integrated mobility solutions, a collaborative initiative dubbed the "Enroute" Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) challenge was launched in the city on Wednesday.

The partnership, comprising WRI India, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), and Villgro, seeks to harness open data from city bus and metro agencies to empower startups in developing user-centric mobility applications and enhancing transit experiences.

Inaugurated by former Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Gowda, the event brought together key stakeholders, including BMRCL Managing Director Maheshwar Rao, WRI India Executive Director Pawan Mulukutla, Vijay Kovvali from CiSTUP, IISc, and Sujith Nair, CEO of the Federation for Interoperability in Digital Economy (FIDE).

The Enroute challenge aims to "digitally enable 15-minute neighborhoods," increase public transport usage, reduce waiting and commuting times, lower carbon footprints, alleviate traffic congestion, and facilitate better trip planning with minimal burden on end-users.

Recognising the lack of data on multi-modal transportation as a significant barrier to seamless commuting, the initiative calls upon startups to leverage transit data, including ridership figures, ride fares, high-frequency routes, and similar data points from BMTC and BMRCL, to develop integrated platforms.

Key focus areas include integrating online ticketing mechanisms, live tracking of buses and metro services, and enabling commuters to access real-time updates on public transit schedules while paying a single fare across different transportation modes.

Gowda emphasised that accessible data would allow public transport planners and government agencies to collaborate toward a unified transportation platform, stating, "The challenge can serve as a model for transit networks across the country."

A panel discussion explored how current transport data exists in silos and highlighted the need for collaborative efforts in mobility solutions.

Nair stressed the importance of scalability, stating, "Data does not work by itself. It is important to think of what works at scale, not scaling up whatever works."

The challenge invites tech startups with minimum viable product software solutions or the capability to develop MaaS solutions.

The top three solutions will receive incubation support and seed funding from the collaboration. Interested startups can apply at enroute.villgro.org.

(KNN Bureau)