Public-Private Partnership Key To Building Sustainable Urban Mobility Solutions, Says Tummoc Co-Founder

Launched in January 2021, Tummoc is the answer to the hassle of regular transportation options and the struggle to find reasonably priced short term rides. The absurdity of a 20-minute wait for a 10-minute ride in the metro or a bus, and difficulty fulfilling the first and last mile requirements when using public transport, formed the base of Tummoc experience.

Process of Tummoc app is as generic as any other process of publishing apps on Google play and app store. The whole world is following the single process. We make sure we do A/B testing since as a product company, it is important for us to know what all will be working for users and what not, said Hiranmay Mallick, Co-Founder of the Bengaluru-based organisation.

In an exclusive interview to Bizz Buzz, he said their vision is to make public transport more accessible by creating a data-driven, all-in-one transit platform to solve problems faced by millions of commuters through end-to-end connectivity. Tummoc has its presence in over 20 cities across India including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

The first & last mile connectivity feature is the most unique and how efficiently it's been done for the users without them entering the manual details separately second time. Soon we will also be rolling out a new feature where they can book end to end commute along with the public transport

Urban mobility in India is evolving rapidly. What do you think are the biggest challenges that Indian cities face when it comes to public transportation, and how is Tummoc positioned to address these challenges?

India’s cities are growing at an unprecedented pace, and public transportation systems have struggled to keep up. Traffic congestion, reliance on personal vehicles, and fragmented transit networks remain major challenges. Additionally, public transport systems lack real-time data integration and seamless ticketing, which makes commuting inconvenient for users. Many commuters end up switching between multiple apps and modes of transport, which further complicates their journey.

Tummoc addresses these issues by providing a unified MaaS platform that integrates multiple modes of transport—buses, metros, and autos—into one app. Our digital interface allows users to plan their journeys, book tickets, and pay seamlessly, reducing their reliance on personal vehicles. Through partnerships with state transport authorities, such as the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), we’re making real-time tracking and digital ticketing available, improving both service efficiency and user experience.

First and last-mile connectivity remains a pressing issue in urban transportation. What are the broader trends and innovations you see in this space, and how can cities effectively address this challenge?

First and last-mile connectivity is a major factor influencing people’s decision to use public transport. Without easy access to bus stops or metro stations, many commuters prefer private vehicles, which contributes to traffic congestion. Some of the key trends we’re seeing include the rise of micro-mobility options—bicycles, electric scooters, and shared e-rickshaws—which provide quick and convenient access to transit hubs.

At Tummoc, we’ve recognized the importance of integrating these solutions within our platform. We’ve incorporated auto-rickshaws, taxis and bike taxis already to make it easier for users to connect with main transit networks. And we’ll soon be introducing more options as well. Additionally, cities can enhance these efforts by developing bike lanes, well-lit pedestrian pathways, and organized pick-up and drop-off points, which can encourage more people to rely on public transport.

How can public-private partnerships help in creating more efficient and sustainable public transportation networks in urban India?

Public-private partnerships are essential to building resilient and sustainable public transport networks. While public transport agencies lay the foundation through infrastructure, private platforms like Tummoc bring agility, innovation, and user-centric solutions to enhance services. By working together, public agencies and private players can ensure more efficient operations and better commuter experiences.

Our partnership with BMTC for digital passes is a great example. By collaborating with local authorities, we’ve introduced operational efficiencies that reduce waiting times and improve access to public transport. When the public and private sectors align, they create more scalable solutions that address both commuter needs and environmental goals.

What impact do you believe mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms will have on public transport systems, and how can they contribute to more integrated urban mobility solutions?

MaaS platforms are reshaping how commuters interact with public transport by offering a unified, hassle-free experience. Instead of switching between multiple apps or modes, users can plan, book, and pay for their journeys in one place. This multi-modal integration simplifies commuting and makes public transport more appealing, encouraging people to reduce their dependence on personal vehicles.

At Tummoc, our goal is to drive this cultural shift toward public and shared transit. By combining buses, metros, and first and last-mile options into a single, accessible platform, we’re helping commuters experience the convenience that MaaS platforms offer. Over time, this integration will not only ease congestion but also lower pollution levels, contributing to more sustainable urban living.

What role do you see data playing in the optimization of public transportation systems, and how can cities leverage real-time data to improve commuter experiences?

Data plays a crucial role in making public transportation more efficient. Real-time data helps both users and transit operators. For users, it provides live updates on bus arrivals, route changes, and potential delays, enabling them to plan their journeys better. For operators, data helps identify patterns in commuter demand, optimize routes, and adjust schedules during peak hours to avoid overcrowding.

Tummoc’s platform plans to leverage real-time data to ensure that commuters always have access to the latest updates. Beyond providing convenience to users, our data-driven insights help transit authorities manage resources more efficiently. By analyzing travel patterns, we can recommend operational changes that improve both accessibility and service frequency. Cities that embrace this data-driven approach will be better equipped to meet the changing needs of commuters.

Tummoc is currently operational in 21 cities with a growing user base. How do you tailor your offerings to meet the unique needs of different cities, and what trends do you see shaping urban mobility across these diverse regions?

Each city in India has its own transportation landscape and commuting patterns. Recognizing the differences, we tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs of each city. In metro cities like Bengaluru, we offer multi-modal trip planning and digital passes to streamline the bus transit experience along with easy first and last-mile connectivity. However, that may not be the

primary need in a smaller city, so we cater the solution as per the commuter’s needs. One emerging trend across all cities is the shift toward eco-friendly transport options, including electric vehicles and micro-mobility solutions. Another trend is the growing demand for seamless, multi-modal travel, which platforms like Tummoc are well-positioned to support.

What future technological advancements or features do you believe will have the biggest impact on the public transport industry, and how is Tummoc planning to integrate these innovations into its platform?

AI and predictive analytics will play a key role in shaping the future of public transport by forecasting demand, optimizing routes, and helping transit systems run more smoothly. These technologies will allow operators to anticipate surges and improve schedules, making public transport more reliable and efficient.

At Tummoc, we are integrating AI-powered route planning and smart alerts to enhance the commuter experience. Beyond that, we’re expanding ticketing services for both buses and metros in many of our operational cities and working closely with government authorities to improve public transit systems and policies.

We’re also focused on growing our platform by adding more partners and planning launches in new cities. To encourage more people to use public transport, we’re exploring incentives that reward long-term public transit adoption—building a more connected, commuter-friendly, and sustainable ecosystem across India.