If you run buses or sell bus tickets as an agent, the redBus or AbhiBus question is really three questions. How do you get your buses listed? What software do you get to run the business? And how does each platform make money from you? This guide answers each one using only what the two companies publish on their own websites and official app listings. Where a number isn't published, we say so rather than guess.
Who owns redBus and AbhiBus
The two platforms are owned by different groups, and that shapes the tools each one offers.
- redBus: redBus's About page says it was founded in 2006 and is "part of India's leading online travel company MakeMyTrip Limited (NASDAQ: MMYT)". It also lists operations in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Colombia and Peru as well as India. The site footer credits MakeMyTrip (India) Limited.
- AbhiBus: AbhiBus's About page says it was founded in 2008 and later "acquired by ixigo". Its footer credits Le Travenues Technology Ltd, and its Play Store listing calls it "An ixigo company".
redBus and AbhiBus for bus operators: joining as a partner
redBus. The operator onboarding portal, linked as "Bus operator registration" in the redBus footer, lists five steps:
- Submit an application with the relevant documents.
- The Business Development team contacts you.
- Internal teams verify the documents.
- An agreement is drawn up.
- Once you accept it, your inventory goes live on redBus.
The same page covers two other partner routes: registering as a travel agent through seatseller, and registering as a "NOVA vendor" to sell bus parts to operators.
AbhiBus. AbhiBus handles operator sign-up through AbhiBus EDGE, which has an "Operator Login" and a phone and email contact on its site. Its footer also links to Agent Registration. AbhiBus's About page says it provides "technology solutions to more than 300 large private bus partners in India, 5 state transport corporations, and 2 international bus partners". EDGE doesn't publish a step-by-step onboarding checklist, so if you're asking about becoming an AbhiBus partner, the practical first step is to contact the EDGE team through the details on that site.
The software each gives operators
This is where the two platforms differ most.
redBus tools
- BOGDS: the onboarding FAQ says you can manage inventory "by partnering with software vendors or can also use our free software (BOGDS)".
- redBus Plus (Android): described as "an inventory management and ticketing solution designed for bus operators in India". Operators and crew can book tickets, view boarding charts and cancel tickets. Drivers and conductors can book tickets even after the bus has left.
- redPro (Android and redbus.pro): sales and market insights, ratings and reviews, and campaign activation. The Play listing says login access is restricted and comes through your business development representative.
- revMax: the onboarding page describes it as "a dynamic pricing tool that automatically sets seat fares using real-time demand and market trends".
AbhiBus tools
- AbhiBus EDGE (web and Android): the Play listing calls it "a powerful B2B SaaS platform designed exclusively for bus operators". Features include bus and profile management, route and fare setup, discounts, ratings management, market analysis, reports, GPS tracking and sponsored banners. The EDGE website adds tracking of fleet compliance documents such as permits and insurance, sponsored placements, bus photos with 360° interior views, and an "Operator Advance", which is working capital against bookings.
- BusBiz (Android): a B2B booking app for travel agents. It says it covers "6200+ bus operators" and shows commissions and settlements in real time.
- AbhiBus's About page also lists e-ticketing, fleet management, vehicle tracking and passenger information systems among the solutions it has provided since 2008.
For more options, see our travel software category.
How bookings reach operators
On both platforms, bookings come in through the consumer website and app, and through agent networks.
- redBus: the FAQ says the software used to manage inventory also helps operators "know the updates on seat booking". Agents book through seatseller and earn commissions, according to the onboarding page.
- AbhiBus: EDGE says it pushes operator offers and placements across AbhiBus, ixigo Trains, ConfirmTkt, ixigo Flights, Uber and HDFC SmartBuy. It also shows offers to what it calls a "5 lakh+ travel agent network". EDGE's "Service Cache" feature keeps "service and seat data fresh and in sync across booking channels".
How redBus and AbhiBus earn money, and which is cheaper for operators
- redBus: its FAQ answers "Is there a partnership fee?" with "redBus charges minimum commission on each ticket sold via redBus website or mobile application." The actual commission rate is not published. The FAQ also says payments are settled "via online transfer to partner bank accounts as per the payment frequency".
- AbhiBus: agents earn commission on bookings made through BusBiz. EDGE sells paid visibility, including sponsored placements and banner ads. AbhiBus does not publish the commission it charges operators.
Which is cheaper? Neither company publishes an operator commission rate, so there is no official basis for calling either one cheaper for operators. Ask both business development teams for the rate, settlement frequency and any charges for paid placements in writing, then compare.
Comparison table
| redBus | AbhiBus | |
|---|---|---|
| Owner (per official site) | MakeMyTrip Limited | ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Ltd) |
| Founded | 2006 | 2008 |
| Operator sign-up | onboardvendor.redbus.in, 5-step process | AbhiBus EDGE (contact the team) |
| Inventory and ticketing | BOGDS (free), redBus Plus app | EDGE, Service Cache |
| Insights and marketing | redPro, revMax pricing | EDGE analytics, AI pricing, sponsored placements |
| Agent channel | seatseller | BusBiz, "5 lakh+" agent network |
| Operator commission | "Minimum commission" per ticket, rate not published | Not published |
| Stated network (Play Store) | 5,600+ private and RTC bus services, 7.3L+ routes | 6,200+ bus operators |
The traveller view: redBus or AbhiBus, which is better?
For passengers, the official listings highlight different things:
- redBus (Play Store) lists a Free Cancellation add-on (cancel 6–12 hours before departure for a full refund), FlexiTicket (free date change up to 8 hours before departure), "Primo" hand-picked buses and women-focused booking features. It describes itself as an official partner of state transport corporations including GSRTC, KSRTC, TSRTC and APSRTC.
- AbhiBus shows "0% Booking Fee" on its website. Its app lists free cancellation, instant refunds, "Abhi Assured" buses and official booking for RTCs including MSRTC, GSRTC and APSRTC.
Is AbhiBus cheaper than redBus for travellers? AbhiBus advertises no booking fee. Fares are set by operators, though, so compare the final price for the same bus and date on both apps before you book.
Similar apps to redBus
The redBus footer lists Goibibo Bus as a partner, and the AbhiBus footer links to ixigo bus booking. For related travel products, see Goibibo and MakeMyTrip.
FAQ
Are redBus and AbhiBus the same company?
No. redBus says it is part of MakeMyTrip Limited. AbhiBus says it was acquired by ixigo, and its site is run by Le Travenues Technology Ltd.
How do I become an AbhiBus partner?
Operators start through AbhiBus EDGE, using the Operator Login or the contact details on the site. Travel agents can use Agent Registration or the BusBiz app.
Does redBus charge operators a fee to join?
Its FAQ says redBus charges a "minimum commission on each ticket sold". It does not publish the rate.
Which is better for operators?
If you want a free inventory tool, look at redBus, which offers BOGDS. If you want operations, marketing and working capital in one dashboard, look at AbhiBus EDGE. Many operators list on both. Before signing either agreement, compare the commission each one offers you in writing.
