India's intercity travel landscape is witnessing a significant shift as young and working-age travellers increasingly opt for shared mobility over personal vehicles. According to the "IntrCity SmartBus Intercity Mobility Survey 2026," which surveyed 13,320 respondents across the nation, 74% of travellers aged 18 to 43 are leading this trend, with 76% anticipating a rise in shared mobility usage over the next three years.
The survey highlights a growing preference for shared mobility as a primary mode of intercity travel. Nearly half of the respondents reported using shared mobility for all five of their most recent intercity journeys. This shift is driven by a desire for safety, comfort, and convenience, with 70% of respondents preferring a premium shared bus over a personal car, train, or flight for journeys of 400–600 km if costs were identical.
Technology plays a crucial role in this transformation, with 82% of respondents considering it vital to their travel experience. Online ticket booking, digital access, and enhanced onboard amenities are key factors encouraging the adoption of shared mobility. Safety remains a top priority, with 43% of respondents citing it as the most important factor when choosing a shared mobility service.
Manish Rathi, Co-founder and CEO of IntrCity SmartBus, stated, “The Indian intercity traveller has evolved significantly over the last few years. Today's passengers are looking beyond affordability and are placing equal importance on reliability, comfort, safety, and digital convenience.”
As shared mobility continues to gain traction, the survey underscores the importance of technology, consistent service quality, and customer trust in shaping the future of intercity transportation in India
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
