Travelling by bus will never go out of style. It’s such a convenient mode of public transportation, and a great way to explore a new city, or travel between two destinations.

When you’re travelling by bus, whether regularly or occasionally, it’s become the norm to use an app to buy online bus tickets. But how do you choose the right app?

Make sure you look for these features!

 How to Choose the Right App to Buy Online Bus Tickets

#1 Self-service Options

Self service is a proactive form of customer service where an app provides online support without requiring any interaction with a representative from the company. And  most bus ticketing apps these days offer this option.

Whether it’s for the companies or for the users, the more self-servicing options there are, the more useful the app or website is for either party. Look for an app which includes a self-service portal, whether that’s a simple FAQ to help guide you, or an online AI chat to help you troubleshoot.

From being cost-efficient for the company to providing a sense of independence to the user, an app to buy online bus tickets should come with some self-servicing options, and you should be able to understand and use the app without much guidance.

Self-service options to buy online bus tickets need to be simple, logical, and intuitive. You should have access 24/7, and ideally have access to assets like a search function, up to date content, and maybe even ‘how-to’ screenshots or video.

Pro tip: Before you buy your bus tickets, check out the self service options of the app you’re considering, and see if it’s easy to use. If you run into trouble down the line, it’s much easier if you know the company has great support content.

#2 Online Check-in

If you book online bus tickets and still have to visit the ticket counter at the bus stand to redeem, it kind of negates the whole point of taking the online route.

A modern reservation system should allow drivers to accept electronic tickets which only need to be scanned while onboarding the bus.

Online check-in is one such self-service feature that you should look for in an e-ticketing app. It makes it easier for you and the bus driver/bus conductor to keep a check of who has onboarded the bus and who hasn’t – requires no manual labour when its all happening automatically and in real-time on the app.

#3 Easy User Interface

Nobody wants to use an app that is complicated and complex. What’s the point of having an interface where the user will have to complete a series of steps to buy online bus tickets, half of which are not even required?

When you’re looking for a great bus ticketing app, make sure it’s easy to use and navigate. If you feel like you’re having to jump through unnecessary hoops, or the process is unduly confusing, it’s worthwhile trying a different app.

#4 Seat Selection

Wouldn’t it be great if you got to choose where you sit in the bus? No need to compromise and end up with a squished and uncomfortable seat.

In a traditional setting, you were given any seat, no questions asked. But when it comes to buying online bus tickets, go for an app where you get to decide where you will sit.

Whether you prefer the window seat or like an aisle seat, you can take your pick while booking your bus ticket.

#5 Customer Care

Unable to figure out certain features? Can’t seem make the purchase. That’s what customer care is for! An effective and efficient customer service is a must in such an app, for those instances where self-service doesn’t cut it.

Even if the user interface is easy to navigate through, not everyone is tech-savvy enough to understand all the functions. There may also be times when glitches may not allow the app to perform properly.

Look for an app that has customer care as well as self-service options. Having both means that representatives of the company are available to chat to those who can’t help themselves through the content available in the self-service portal.

Why It’s Important to Choose the Perfect App

Today, there are numerous websites and apps available for you to choose from to buy your online bus tickets. But remember that while one app may work for someone, it may not be a suitable choice for another person.

Each app offers a different USP and the right app for a person is dependent on what that person is looking for. That’s why it is important to choose the right app for you.

For some, you might find the perfect fit on your first download, but for others it might take trying out 2-3 different online bus tickets apps to figure out the right one.