T40 Technologies reposted this
One major challenge facing digital bus ticketing platforms (also referred to as Online Travel Agencies, or OTAs) in Nigeria is the lack of standardized physical and regulatory infrastructure for interstate transport. Without foundational support, online platforms struggle to guarantee consistent experiences for customers across regions. Several companies like Oya.com.ng, mytrip.ng, T40 Technologies, Intercity NG, Treepz, and QuickBus - Intercity Bus Travel have made commendable attempts to digitize this sector. Their goal aligns with successful global models like Busbud, Omio, and Trainline, where ticket options from multiple providers are aggregated for easy comparison, helping customers find deals and giving providers a cost-effective distribution channel with added value. In theory, the model is simple. But in practice, Nigerian OTAs face distinct challenges: Operational Gaps Imagine a customer buys a ticket online, only to arrive at the terminal and find the bus is canceled or cannot locate the service provider. It’s not necessarily a scam—sometimes, the provider may have no vehicles available, or staff might refuse to honor tickets due to internal disputes or informal payment issues. Delayed Departures A ticket could promise a 7 a.m. departure, but buses may not leave until several hours later, waiting to fill every seat. Unfortunately, OTAs usually take the blame for these frustrations, leading many customers to abandon online ticketing altogether. To counter these issues, some platforms have tried various workarounds. Some bought their own fleets, only to burn through capital without an established distribution network. Others prepaid inventory from large providers, but low incentives for online sales often left OTAs scrambling to offload seats at a loss. So, what’s needed for this market to thrive? 1. Standardized, Privately-Managed Infrastructure A bold push for consistent infrastructure is essential, specifically dedicated interstate bus parks near major cities. This could be achieved by startups with significant capital (imagine Flix entering Nigeria) or through joint ventures with state governments. The goal is reliable, scheduled bus parks, managed like proper transit hubs. 2. High-Quality, Local Operating Software Bus operators need world-class, Nigeria-built software tailored to the market’s unique needs. Many “big” operators rely on generic software incompatible with modern Global Distribution Systems (GDS), which restricts interoperability and leaves room for error. Digital infrastructure should enable seamless service provider connections and provide OTAs with a unified, standardized platform. ...continued in comments #Nigeria #TransportTech #Mobility #DigitalTransformation #IntercityTransport