Strategic advantages of redbus:

Redbus has the largest bus operator network (more than 350+) with satisfied customers of
more than 3 million. Most of the bus operators are the owners of Volvo buses which number
ranging from 5 to 100+ in few operators.
From the launch, it was an India’s first company in bus ticket business. It worked online
management of ticket updated system to get the real scenario at any point of time. This will
allow operator to manage their service accordingly. Redbus opted every format to ticket
booking whether be it online, offline or through agents. Strategy of redbus defined by its
owner as it is a ticket booking company that works for every stakeholder of this industry. For
operators, it giver real time inventory of tickets available. For travellers, it provides online as
well as offline efficient system to book the ticket. Redbus also focused on the technology
used to book the ticket. This was an effort to bridge the gap between customer who want to
book a ticket and the bus operator who are providing this service. So the important feature of
redbus is that it operated in both the segment i.e. B2B and B2C. But the major source of the
revenue is B2C segment.
For bus operator, they offered a software named BOSS (Bus Operator Software System). This
helped the operators to upload the real time inventory position on system which will reflect
on website of redbus. For non-computerised, operators the data is collected over phone and
uploaded by operators at redbus. So in a way, redbus was able to get the almost all the seats
available between a given routs which can booked by customers at their own convenience.
For travellers, redbus provided various options to book the tickets. They have been provided
many options like website, call centres, outlets, and OTA. They were also availed with many
options regarding base fare, facilities, seats etc.
For agents, company offered unique distribution system to get ticket booked from their
website. They also realise the importance of useful data of the customers.
The main proposition of redbus were mainly focusing on three products: 1) BOSS application
for bus operators, 2) B2C, which includes offline call centres, web site, and franchisee
outlets, 3) B2B, application for OTAs. Redbus believed to build a relationship with bus
operators which will give valuable feedback to improve the overall operation. Redbus
focused on building trust and transparency which will aimed at improving efficiency,
accessibility, and availability. The main values provided by redbus are the transparency in
booking process, reliability in service, real time access to the available tickets on requested
route, transparent pricing, and specific requirement.
For OTAs, the main values provided were access to mass customer segment who prefers to
travel by bus especially in shorter routes.
SWOT ANALYSIS:
The SWOT analysis of redbus is as follows:
STRENGTHS:
1) Early mover Advantage:
Redbus was the first mover in this unexplored area of online bus ticket booking. This
allowed them to take the advantage of absence of any competitor. Before redbus, bus
tickets were booked by agents and from brick and mortar stores which has opaqueness
in the system. Redbus utilised every opportunity to expand its business which covered
almost every important stakeholder of business.
2) Simple business Model:
Redbus followed relatively simple business model compared to other competitor. This
was helpful in convincing the independent operator to join redbus. The real time data
updatation make bus operator convinced and finally collaborated with redbus which
allowed redbus to grow around 50% annually.
3) Largest Network of Bus Operators:
The great advantage and main reason for unpanelled growth for redbus was the vast
network of operators. Redbus was showing real time data of all this on the website,
makes customer to choose for wide variety of bus services and greater flexibility.
4) High level of customer satisfaction:
The main reason behind the great success was great customer satisfaction. They
thought the process out of which they were benefited the most. Now customer were
able to book ticket with great ease and don’t have to pay premium on high demand
season.
WEAKNESSES:
OPPORTUNITUES:
THREAT: