Online travel platform EaseMyTrip has launched YOLO Bus Express, an intercity bus aggregation initiative aimed at expanding organised bus travel across India. The service has started operations with 12 buses on select routes in South India, with plans to scale up to 50 buses over the next 45 to 60 days and reach a nationwide fleet of 500 buses by 2027.
Hyderabad Routes Drive Initial Expansion
The service initially focuses on intercity routes originating from Hyderabad, connecting destinations across Andhra Pradesh, including Tirupati, Nellore, Ongole, Guntur, Vijayawada, Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam.
YOLO Bus Express follows an asset-light aggregation model through partnerships with private bus operators. Under this arrangement, YOLO Bus manages route selection, ticketing, scheduling, pricing, demand management and service standards, while partner operators provide the buses.
Focus on Service Quality and Hygiene
The company aims to standardise the passenger experience across its partner fleet through common operating and hygiene protocols. These include fresh bedsheets and pillow covers for every trip, regular curtain washing, periodic deep cleaning and essential onboard amenities.
Centralised operational oversight will support service consistency across routes, regardless of the private operator running a particular bus.
EaseMyTrip co-founder and CEO Rikant Pittie said India’s intercity bus sector has significant potential for organised growth as travellers increasingly seek reliability, comfort and consistent service. YOLO Bus CEO Mahendra Tripathi said the company plans to expand its fleet to 40–50 buses in the coming months before reaching the 500-bus target by 2027.
EaseMyTrip Expands Its Travel Business
The launch is part of EaseMyTrip’s effort to expand its non-air travel services and strengthen its position in India’s domestic transport market. The company expects the initiative to improve connectivity along major travel corridors while creating additional business opportunities for private bus operators.
The planned expansion will depend on building partnerships with operators and scaling operations across new markets. With YOLO Bus Express, EaseMyTrip is seeking to bring more standardised services to India’s fragmented intercity bus sector.
