Surge in Cross-Border Bus Travel: redBus Reports Over 180,000 Seats Booked by Singapore Travellers in 2024

Singapore Sees 20% Growth in Users Opting for Affordable and More Sustainable Travel

SINGAPORE,Jan. 8, 2025/PRNewswire/ -- The appetite for cross-border travel is on the rise as Singaporeans increasingly turn to buses as their preferred mode of transport.redBus, the world's largest bus ticketing platform, has revealed key insights into this trend, reporting that over180,000 bus seatswere booked bySingapore-based travellers in 2024. This marks a significant uptick in demand for cost-effective, more sustainable travel options.

The platform also reported a20% increasein new users fromSingapore, with millennials and Gen Z travellers driving much of this growth. These younger travellers are seeking affordable, convenient, and environmentally-friendly alternatives for regional getaways. More than 1,24,000 tickets were booked withSingaporeas the destination, from other counties.

"Singaporeans are increasingly embracing buses as their preferred mode of cross-border travel, not just for affordability but also for the convenience and sustainability they offer,"saidKrishnan Ramaswami, Chief Business Officer of redBus. "Our data highlights a growing demand for seamless travel experiences, particularly among younger generations, who value the ability to plan entire trips—transportation and activities included—through a single, reliable platform. This shift underscores the evolving priorities of modern travellers, where practicality meets adventure.'

Singapore'sCross-Border Travel Preferences: A Snapshot

• Dominance of Malaysia Routes 
  
  Almost 70%of all bus bookings fromSingaporein 2024 were for trips toMalaysia, underscoring strong demand for cross-border travel. Popular destinations includedKuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru,Malacca, Genting Highlands, andSeremban. Johor Bahru (JB) alone accounted for over45%of the total trips.SG to JB busesremain among the most popular and convenient choices, reflecting the appeal of Johor Bahru as a close and affordable getaway.
• Youth-Driven Trends 
  
  Nearly40%of redBus users inSingaporeareaged between 21 and 30, showcasing a vibrant trend of young adventurers seeking cultural, scenic, and group travel experiences. This demographic is particularly attracted to the affordability and flexibility that bus travel offers, making it an ideal choice for short regional trips.
• Emerging Demand forThailand 
  
  BeyondMalaysia, destinations like Hat Yai,Thailandare seeing growing interest. These locations offer a blend of cultural and leisure experiences, attracting Singaporeans looking for more diverse travel options. The steady rise in bus travel toThailandindicates a growing appetite for regional exploration beyond familiar destinations.
• Ferry services
  
  Around 15,00 ferry tickets were booked betweenSingaporeand other countries. Additionally, redBus has partnered with top 5 Singapore ferry operators on its platform:Sindo Ferry, Batam Fast, Majestic Ferry, Horizon Ferry, and Bintan Resort Ferries. These ferry services offer seamless connectivity betweenSingaporeand popular destinations inIndonesia, enhancing redBus's offerings for travellers seeking regional escape options via ferry.

This surge in cross-border bus travel aligns seamlessly with theSingaporegovernment's initiatives to promote sustainable transportation, with buses playing a critical role in reducing the carbon footprint of cross-border travel. As2024 marksanother record-breaking year, redBus is preparing to expand its network to ensure even greater connectivity and convenience for travellers acrossAsia.

Building on its commitment to innovation, redBus has introduced the'Things to Do'feature, offering over 500 activities acrossSingaporeandMalaysia. From cultural tours to unique local experiences, travellers can now plan their entire journey—including transportation and activities—on a single platform, enhancing convenience and enriching their travel experiences.

Krishnan Ramaswami, Chief Business Officer of redBus, said,"redBus is committed to redefining cross-border travel for Singaporeans, making it easy, reliable, and enjoyable. By leveraging user insights and innovation, we aim to provide seamless services that cater to the evolving needs of our travellers. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our network, introduce more features, and further enhance the travel experience to meet the expectations of modern-day adventurers."

With these advancements, redBus is set to strengthen its position as the leading travel platform, helping Singaporeans explore regional destinations with confidence and ease.

About redBus

Founded in 2006, redBus is the world's largest online bus ticketing platform, with over 466 million tickets sold globally and a customer base of 52 million users. Since enteringSoutheast Asiain 2015, redBus has transformed bus and ferry travel, offering affordable, reliable, and seamless booking experiences for key routes inSingapore,Malaysia, and beyond.

For more information, visit www.redbus.sg or download the redBus app.

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SOURCE redBus