StarBus* Integrated Bus Services and Booking Portal

StarBus* streamlines and enhances bus ticketing services across State Transport Corporations/ Departments. This comprehensive platform seamlessly manages the complete ticket life cycle, offering a wide array of functionalities. From initial search and booking to secure payment processing, effortless cancellation and rescheduling options, real-time status tracking, and a robust user feedback mechanism, StarBus* ensures a holistic and user-centric experience. Its intuitive user interface and standardized workflow contribute to operational efficiency, simplifying complex processes while optimizing the overall journey for travelers and transport providers alike.

StarBus* is a premier online portal dedicated to enhancing the bus travel experience for both Intra and Inter-State travelers across eight Indian states. It aims to provide a streamlined, user-friendly, and secure platform backed by resilient infrastructure and cutting-edge technology.

With a simple registration, travelers can easily register, plan, reschedule trips, and request refunds for canceled tickets on StarBus*. They can also apply for concessional bus passes, print/ view tickets, and access a digital wallet for seamless transactions. Further, they can stay informed with real-time status inquiries and enjoy a range of additional services. However, even without registration, guest users can leverage all the above features.

StarBus* has also streamlined backend operations for State Transport Corporations/ Departments, enabling efficient fleet, crew, and inventory management. StarBus* caters to Common Service Centres (CSC), registered agents, and physical counters, facilitating hassle-free cash bookings.

National Informatics Centre (NIC) first successfully introduced StarBus* to the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) as a pioneering portal for traveler bus bookings in 2013. Recognizing common challenges across various State Transport Corporations / Departments (STC/Ds), NIC conducted an extensive nationwide study. This study later paved the way for the visionary concept of One India One Bus – StarBus* (OIOB – StarBus*), revolutionizing bus travel solutions across the nation.

NIC’s approach to implementing the One India One Bus (OIOB) solution involves two integral aspects. The first aspect centres on the establishment of an integrated central portal, which serves as a hub for all STC/Ds to offer their bus-related services to travelers. Simultaneously, there are state-level instances dedicated to each specific STC/D. The OIOB StarBus* instance operates within the cloud environment and incorporates web APIs, enabling seamless integration with the individual STC instances. This setup ensures that travelers have access to a unified booking platform across India. When travelers decide to book a ticket, they are redirected to the respective state instance of the STC, maintaining a localized experience.

The second critical component of StarBus* involves creating individual, state-specific instances for various transport corporations, with integration into the central instance through APIs. These instances are hosted within the respective state’s data centres or an alternative data centre if needed. StarBus* provides a versatile package of functionalities, which can be configured to suit the specific needs and preferences of each state’s transport corporation or department. This comprehensive approach aims to streamline and enhance the bus travel experience for both travelers and the organizations managing transportation services.

NIC Uttarakhand has been extending excellent support to Uttarakhand Transport Corporation Since 2013. The automation work which was started with just online booking of 6 number of Volvo buses has now been expanded to almost all areas of working of UTC. We are happy to know that reach of this solution with name StarBus* is expanded to 7 other states. I appreciate the good work done by NIC. I look forward for creation of new synergy between NIC and Uttarakhand Transport Corporation for continued support and effective results. I wish all the best to NIC in all its endeavor.

Arvind Singh Hyanki

Secretary, Department of Transport
Govt. of Uttarakhand

Features

Effortless Booking: Seamlessly search and book bus journeys based on departure and arrival stations, travel date, and preferred bus service type

Secure Transactions: Ensure safe transactions with a secure payment option, safeguarding your financial information

Real-time Bus Information: Track bus locations in real-time using GPS technology, enhancing your travel experience

Self-Service Dashboard: Empower travelers with a user-friendly self-service dashboard, putting control at your fingertips

Bus Pass Management: Streamline bus pass application, processing, and issuance through an efficient online system

Comprehensive Infrastructure Management: Efficiently manage all aspects of your transport service, including vehicles, workforce, workshops, fuel pumps, booking counters, and authorized agents representing an STC/D

Data-Driven Decision Support: Benefit from insightful dashboards and comprehensive Management Information Systems (MIS) reporting, supported by data interpretation, for informed decision-making

Mobile App Convenience: Access the system conveniently through mobile apps designed for travelers, ticket inspectors, and conductors

Architecture

StarBus* is a cloud-based application boasts a secure three-layer architecture.

Application Layer: Serves as the user interface, catering to travelers, crew members, and management

Business Layer: Houses essential business rules for various services and maintains master data

Database Layer: Ensures the back-end database’s integrity with rigorous security measures

Each state operates within a separate instance, maintaining an exclusive and equally secure three-layer architecture tailored to its specific needs.

Technology Stack

Front end: ASP.net

Database server: PostgreSQL

Web server: Microsoft IIS version 8.0 and above.

System software: Operating system Microsoft Windows 2016 R2 or above

Mobile application: Android and iOS

Impact

As of 2022-23, StarBus* has been actively operational across eight Indian states: and union territories viz. Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Chandigarh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tripura. Its influence on state bus services is as follows:

Paperless Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and digitized processes reduce paper usage, conserving resources

Effortless Resource Management: Online resource management enhances coordination and real-time information flow

Data-Driven Decision-Making: Actionable insights via Management Information Systems (MIS) reports

Standardized Operations: Ensuring consistency in data, formats, and work methods

Strategic Oversight: Senior STC/D management gains a comprehensive bird’s-eye view of operations for informed decision-making

Way Forward

The future of StarBus* focuses on user-centric enhancements, streamlined integration, and STC/D customization. The team is committed to expanding StarBus*’ search functionality, ensuring API connectivity between central and state instances, and optimizing Single Sign-On for enhanced user convenience and security. In addition, the team intends to adapt StarBus* to STC/D requirements and integrate third-party bus services to enhance the traveler experience and diversify revenue streams. These strategic moves propel StarBus* into a customer-focused and dynamic future.

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