Optibus wins WRI India Better E-Bus Challenge 2022

Optibus to collaborate with Delhi Transport Corporation to optimize the operations of 150 electric buses 

Optibus, the end-to-end, cloud-native software platform for public transportation planning and operations, has been declared as one of the winners of the Better e-Bus Challenge 2022, organized by the World Resources Institute India (WRI) with support from the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI) E-Bus Mission, to discover technological solutions for transforming the public bus sector. Optibus was selected as the winner for their software platform that improves transportation planning, scheduling, operations and management of electric buses (e-buses). As a result of the competition, Optibus will pilot its solution in collaboration with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to optimize DTC’s electric fleet.  

E-bus adoption in Indian cities has been a major step towards decarbonization, reducing public transportation emissions, and meeting the year 2070 net-zero emissions target established by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, at the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. The Government of India has been progressive in its encouragement of e-bus adoption through Phase I and II of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) initiative in India, and accelerating demand under the Grand Challenge initiatives.

With increased procurement of e-buses into the fleets of state transport undertakings (STUs), it is critical to analyze the routes best fit for running e-bus services, develop charging points and infrastructure, establish proper e-bus planning and scheduling processes, and optimize power demand and supply.  

As the winner of the Better E-Bus Challenge 2022, Optibus is collaborating with DTC, the primary public transportation operator in Delhi, on an optimization project for DTC’s new fleet of 150 e-buses. The project will focus on innovative solutions to improving route planning, timetable efficiency, vehicle and driver scheduling, and operations for the rapidly expanding public e-bus systems in Indian cities, especially in Delhi.  

Mr. Pawan Mulukutla, Director - Integrated Transport, Electric Mobility and Hydrogen, WRI India, stated, “India is at the cusp of revolutionizing bus-based public transport through electrification. Technology plays a key role in planning operations for e-buses. Accelerator programs like the Better e-Bus Challenge provide an opportunity for STUs like DTC to pilot and tailor solutions to streamline operations. WRI India, with support from the TUMI E-Bus Mission, is excited to engage with Optibus in Delhi to help plan and schedule DTC’s newly added 150 e-buses.” 

Mr. Polash Das, Regional Director India, Optibus, stated, “E-buses are where the world is headed, but they make scheduling much more complicated. Optimized electric vehicle (EV) scheduling helps future-proof operations. Optibus’ end-to-end platform will enable DTC’s smooth transition to EVs by enabling them to first manage a mixed fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) and EVs, and support them throughout their journey towards the development of a 100% electric fleet.”

###

About WRI India

WRI India Ross Center is dedicated to supporting Indian cities in their journey to be low carbon, resilient and inclusive. WRI India Ross Center is a research organization that works with governments, businesses, multilateral institutions, and civil society groups to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives and protect nature. https://www.wricitiesindia.org/

About TUMI

Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI) is the leading global implementation initiative on sustainable mobility formed through the union of 11 prestigious partners. TUMI supports innovative transport projects globally and enables policymakers to transform urban mobility. The TUMI E-Bus Mission is working with six global partners in 20 deep-dive cities to dramatically advance electric bus adoption across leading cities in the Global South. https://www.transformative-mobility.org/