Bhubaneswar was recently awarded the title of ‘City with the Best Public Transport System’ at the 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This recognition celebrates the city’s exceptional approach to urban mobility which extends far beyond merely expanding bus routes.
This year’s UMI Conference focused on ‘Standardisation and Optimisation of Urban Transport Solutions’. The conference explored visions for clean air cities, urban freight, and solutions for small and medium towns in India. Among the awards presented, Kochi was recognised as the ‘City with the Most Sustainable Transport System’, while Srinagar won the ‘City with the Best Non-Motorised Transport System’.
This accolade marks the sixth time the Odisha government’s public transportation initiative, managed by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) agency, has been recognised by the Centre for excellence in urban mobility.
Sustainable, inclusive, and accessible transport
Established in 2018, CRUT serves as the backbone of Bhubaneswar’s public transit system, with a mission to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and prioritise sustainability. The impact is evident in the Mo Bus and Mo E-Ride services, which have significantly changed how people move around the city.
The Mo Bus system, comprising electric and traditional buses, now spans 600 kilometres across 67 routes. The fleet serves over 1,00,000 passengers daily — a remarkable 200% increase in ridership since its launch in 2018.
One of the standout features of Bhubaneswar’s public transport system, the Mo Bus or ‘my bus’ fleet, is the inclusion of electric buses designed to reduce emissions and promote a cleaner environment. By introducing electric buses, Bhubaneswar is making significant strides in improving air quality and reducing noise pollution — efforts that align with global trends toward greener public transport systems.
For instance, Copenhagen has integrated electric buses into its fleet as part of its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Similarly, Singapore’s green transport initiatives, which aim to electrify the entire bus fleet by 2040, echo a similar commitment to sustainability.
In addition to environmental benefits, the Mo Bus system prioritises safety and inclusivity. Features like CCTV cameras, emergency panic buttons, and priority seats for women and children ensure that passengers feel secure. The system is also designed to accommodate seniors and people with disabilities, making it accessible to a diverse population.
Creating jobs and connecting communities
A significant milestone in Bhubaneswar’s commitment to inclusivity came with the introduction of Mo E-Ride in 2022. This eco-friendly e-rickshaw service connects people to bus stops, offering affordable and safe last-mile connectivity. It is particularly beneficial for elderly passengers, women, and people with disabilities, ensuring that the transport network serves everyone.
Additionally, the Mo E-Ride initiative actively recruits women, transgender individuals, and people living with HIV as drivers, creating employment opportunities while promoting gender and social inclusivity in the transport sector.
In just 18 months, 150 individuals from marginalised groups were trained and inducted into the programme. Today, 80 drivers, including women, transgender individuals, and people living with HIV operate the e-rickshaw network, providing essential last-mile connectivity while creating economic opportunities.
Several buses on the Mo Bus network also offer ‘News on Wheels’ — free English and Odia newspapers for passengers. The initiative encourages a culture of reading while keeping travellers informed about current affairs and news.
The Mo Bus system has not only revolutionised the city’s mobility but also incorporated smart technologies to make travel easier for everyone. A prime example is the revamped Mo Bus app, which simplifies commuting by helping users locate nearby bus stops within 500 metres, plan journeys, and track buses in real-time, including details like arrival times and bus occupancy.
For added convenience, users can purchase digital tickets and mobile bus passes directly through the app.
CRUT has also pioneered India’s first disaggregated ticketing system that collects passenger data by gender, age, and disability to enable more informed decision-making. This system identifies travel patterns — such as peak travel times, preferred modes of transport, and popular routes — allowing CRUT to tailor services to better meet the needs of women and other demographics.
For instance, the data can guide adjustments to bus schedules, increase frequency on popular routes, or assign female conductors for added safety, ensuring that public transport remains both responsive and inclusive.
Interestingly, the city is also home to the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal (BSABT), connecting Odisha through both interstate and intrastate bus routes. With 44 bus bays, six city service bays, and parking for 111 buses, it accommodates over 30,000 passengers daily, making it a cornerstone of the city’s transport infrastructure.
Source: Sustainable Transport Award STA 2023 Spotlight: Bhubaneswar, India: for Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, Published in September 2023
Edited by Khushi Arora
