Karnataka: Namma Yatri, Tummoc win Enroute Mobility challenge

Namma Yatri and Tummoc, winners of the Enroute Mobility Challenge, will receive seed funding to implement their innovative public transport solutions, with pilot projects slated to launch by December.

Out of 75 applications received, six enterprises made it to the finals, and Namma Yatri and Tummoc were selected as the top two. Photo | Express

BENGALURU: Namma Yatri and Tummoc have emerged as winners of the ‘Enroute: A Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)’ challenge, organised by Mercedes-Benz Research & Development India (MBRDI), World Resource Institute India (WRI), and Villgro.

The challenge, aimed at innovating public transport solutions, was conducted in partnership with the Government of Karnataka (IT&BT), BMRCL, BMTC, and the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT). Out of 75 applications received, six enterprises made it to the finals, and Namma Yatri and Tummoc were selected as the top two.

Namma Yatri’s integrated public transport solution allows users to plan journeys using various modes of transport, including autos, cabs, BMTC, and Metro, all in one click.

Dayanidhi, Director of Engineering and Growth at Namma Yatri, explained, “We are providing ‘private’ auto and cab service only. Now with this solution, all the users will be given an option to include ‘public’ transport -- BMTC and Metro -- in their journey along with private transport. For example, a person who wishes to travel from point A to point D can get an auto from A to B, take a BMTC bus or Metro from B to C, and then another auto or cab to reach point D.”

He added that Namma Yatri is working with BMTC and BMRCL for ticketing solutions, aiming to provide a 'unified QR code' for seamless payment across different modes of transport.

Tummoc’s solution focuses on offering the cheapest and fastest commute options by combining various transport modes, including bike taxis, autos, cabs, BMTC, and Metro.

Iqra Islam, Strategy and Partnership Alliance Lead at Tummoc, and Brand Manager Rhea Mansukhani stated, “Imagine a person wants to travel from Kalyanagar to HSR Layout. We will combine all forms of transport -- bike taxi, auto and cab, BMTC and Metro -- and provide the option that will be cheapest and fastest. Based on the time on hand and the fare, they can choose whichever mode is convenient for them.”

Both winners will receive seed funding from MBRDI to develop and pilot their solutions city-wide, with deployment and demonstration of pilot solutions expected to start by December.