‘When data talks, Bengaluru congestion quits’: IISc scientist backs open data for seamless city mobility

The use of General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS), which has now become a global standard for public transport, has transformed how people navigate urban transit systems, said Raghu Krishnapuram, senior scientist at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and co-founder of the India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX).

Speaking at the launch of the Namma Transit feature by cab and auto aggregator ‘Namma Yatri’ on Friday, Mr. Krishnapuram said, “Open and interoperable data layers turn buses, metros, and autorickshaws into one seamless graph. When data talks, congestion quits.” Highlighting how such platforms make infrastructure more intuitive and accessible, Mr. Krishnapuram said that the Namma Transit feature offers an integrated app experience by bringing together metro, auto, and cab services, enabling smoother multimodal travel in Bengaluru.

As part of the #EnRoute Innovation Challenge supported by World Resources Institute, India, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India and Villgro, Namma Yatri has developed this new feature. Bengaluru has now joined a select group of cities using the IUDX platform to publish GTFS data feeds from both BMTC and BMRCL.

Namma Transit, currently available to a select group of users and set for a wider rollout in the coming week, provides real-time journey planning across different modes of transport. “The app offers live tracking, platform details, and timely prompts to change modes or exit at the correct stop,” said Shan M.S., co-founder of Namma Yatri.

Rethink ban on shared auto, cabs: Tejasvi Surya 

At the event, MP for Bengaluru South Tejasvi Surya unveiled the Mobility Blueprint 2030, prepared by Namma Yatri, which sets ambitious goals including a 70% public transport mode share, halving commute times and emissions, and building a robust multimodal infrastructure through collaboration with the private sector.

Mr. Surya said, “Bengaluru needs a dedicated transport manifesto to address its unique traffic issues. Shared autos and cabs are an economic necessity, but they are unfortunately banned here. We must rethink this.” He further advocated for allowing private operators to run buses in Bengaluru to address the shortage in BMTC services. “The BMTC alone cannot handle the city’s growing transport demands. Private bus operators must be part of the solution,” he said.