30th June 2025, Kathmandu
Although there has been some use of technology due to private sector initiatives and increased public awareness, the government has not fully capitalized on the benefits that technology can offer.
Online Bus Ticketing Nepal
Despite technological developments in many areas, people still have to stand in long lines for hours at bus parks to buy tickets. Digitalization has already transformed air ticketing, and many government services can now be accessed from home using mobile phones or computers. Even opening a bank account no longer requires physically visiting the bank, and money transactions happen instantly via mobile devices.
However, before traveling by public bus, passengers still face the inconvenience of standing in lines under the scorching sun, rain, or harsh cold to buy tickets. The government has not been inactive in this regard. Back in 2020 (2077 BS), then Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Basanta Kumar Nembang, inaugurated an online ticketing system and announced the implementation of the Online Ticketing Monitoring System (OTMS) to regulate public transportation.
He stated that OTMS was introduced to ensure easy, convenient, and equal access to transport services, attract investment in the transport sector, and make transportation safe, organized, and disability-friendly.
However, four years after its launch, OTMS has still not been fully implemented. Ramesh Bhatt, waiting in line to buy tickets at Gokarna Bus Park, says that technology is essential for crowd management and making bus ticket purchases transparent.
According to him, if all public transport tickets were sold online, it would eliminate the practice of operators charging more than the official fare and cheating passengers.
Moreover, if all transport operators were linked to an online system, clear data would be available on how many passengers enter and leave the Kathmandu Valley and the financial transactions made, which makes the online system very important.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport had announced a few years ago the plan to sell long-distance public transport tickets online, but this has yet to be implemented. Currently, the ministry’s spokesperson, Shubha Shrestha, stated that the responsibility for this preparation has been delegated to all provincial governments.
Digital Leap In Bus Services
Bussewa, officially operating since 2012 (2069 BS), has played a leading role in digitizing the transport sector. While the government has been unable to fully implement the online ticketing system for 4-5 years, Bussewa has regularly operated its online ticketing system.
To eliminate the need to stand in line for tickets, Bussewa provides tickets on mobile phones with just one click. This has ended the need to visit ticket counters physically, benefiting travelers across the country.
Passengers can book tickets for buses departing from any location to any destination within Nepal using Bussewa’s platform. Bussewa CEO PR Khanal said the online ticketing system was introduced to prevent intermediaries from interfering in the ticket-selling process and to provide convenience to travelers.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people purchasing tickets through Bussewa’s online platform has increased. Khanal noted that online ticketing saves both time and money for passengers, making it very important in today’s world.
He further stated that as the country moves towards modernization and people increase their use of technology, introducing such technology helps end the hassle of standing in long lines for tickets.
Bussewa: Nepal’s First Online Bus Ticket Service
Bussewa is the first private company in Nepal to sell bus tickets online. Operating under Bussewa Tours and Travels, Bussewa.com provides service on most routes across Nepal.
In addition, Bussewa offers online ticket booking services for cities in India, including New Delhi, Bodh Gaya, and Muzaffarpur.
How to Book Tickets with Bussewa?
Using the Bussewa Mobile App
To book tickets via the mobile app, Android users can download the Bussewa app from Google Play, and iPhone users can get it from the App Store. After downloading, users need to log in with their username and password. New users must create an account before logging in.
Travelers can select their destination, travel date, and time, then choose their preferred bus and seat. The app displays details about the trip, ticket price, and other relevant information.
After selecting the ticket, travelers can complete the purchase via digital payment. The digital ticket received on the mobile phone can be shown on the bus for boarding. Confirmation SMS is also provided as proof of ticket purchase.
Using The Web Portal
Alternatively, travelers can visit the official Bussewa website via any web browser. Simply searching for “Bussewa” and clicking on the official website link will bring users to the portal.
The homepage features options to fill in details about departure and destination points and travel dates. After clicking the search button, users will see a list of available buses, their fares, bus type, and service providers.
After choosing a bus, clicking on its name displays the seat plan, where gray seats indicate booked ones and green seats are available.
Travelers can select their preferred green seat, log in via Facebook or email, receive an OTP code, and then proceed to payment options on the portal.
Once the payment is made through one of the available methods, the ticket booking is confirmed. Bussewa also sends an SMS confirmation to travelers.
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