Indian Bus Simulator: Game - Drive Indian buses

"By drawing on their extensive expertise and team of skilled developers, Highbrow Interactive presents a detailed and feature-rich simulation game that will keep you entertained time and time again." - AndroidAppsReview.com

Introducing Indian Bus Simulator: Game

The highly anticipated Indian Bus Simulator is yet another intricate and engaging creation from the talented team at Highbrow Interactive. After establishing dominance in mobile train simulation, Highbrow has now ventured into the world of bus driving games, incorporating all the unique elements that garnered millions of fans for Indian Train Simulator.

Discover Indian Bus Simulator: Game

Indian Bus Simulator, known as IBS, introduces an open-world, driver-centered gaming experience with a route linking the South Indian cities of Chennai and Bangalore. The game showcases buses from State-run transport entities of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, alongside a selection of buses from Private Operators crafted to resemble them accurately. The design of these buses is inspired by real vehicles currently in operation.

Both state-owned and privately-operated buses are designed with extensive customization options in mind. Players will soon have the ability to modify seat upholstery, wheels, and decals. Upon purchase, users can select from a range of engine variations and transmission types. The buses come in mini, single, and multi-axle configurations, offering seating options including regular, semi-sleeper, and sleeper variants that can be chosen during acquisition.

Gameplay

In IBS, players assume the role of a driver who starts their career without any funds. Money is earned by completing driving assignments and odd tasks. The more money saved, the sooner players can establish their own transportation company. IBS enables players to rent out buses from their fleet, paving the way to building a successful transport empire.

Aside from business expansion, the physical well-being of the driver is crucial. It is essential to ensure that the driver remains nourished, rested, and comfortable throughout the gameplay.

Furthermore, buses in IBS can be enhanced with additional passenger amenities. The ratings of buses are influenced by the inclusion of features such as air conditioning, blankets, pillows, charging points, movies, personal TVs, snacks, beverages, GPS location tracking, and more.

Excited to get started? Simply click the download button and dive into the adventure.

Why is India’s public bus system in a mess?

Last week, there were reports that India’s plan of electrifying buses had hit a speed bump. Apparently, biggies like Tata didn’t turn up to bid for the project because of a big fear — they didn’t believe that state transport corporations would be able to pay them because of their poor financial condition.

And this got us thinking about the state of affairs of public bus transport in the country. So in today’s Finshots, we’ll talk about just that.

The Story

Guess how many people ride government buses in India each day?

70 million!

For perspective, the much-heralded Indian Railways ferries only 24 million people daily.

And if you look at the major cities, buses have always been a public favourite. Because it offers unmatched connectivity and also because it is an affordable form of transit. No wonder then in 2018, the World Resources Institute estimated that 46% of all motorised trips within Bengaluru were on buses.

Yup, buses are a lifeline for the masses.

But there’s a problem plaguing the public bus system in India. It is in shambles. Only a handful of the State Road Transport Undertakings (SRTUs) manage to turn a profit. Most of them are bleeding money. And it doesn’t really take a genius to figure out what’s wrong.

To begin with, there’s a problem with fares.

See, buses consume a lot of diesel and we know that fuel prices aren’t exactly cheap in the country. It’s not subsidised for state-run buses. Not to forget that staff salaries are a significant portion too. And with roughly 5 staff per bus, some folks say it’s overstaffing that’s killing the buses. If you put these two elements together, they make up nearly half of the total costs incurred by SRTUs.

But they can’t just raise fares either to combat this issue. For instance, an IndiaSpend study that looked at Delhi’s transport system revealed that while the fare is to be revised twice a year based on inflation numbers, it just doesn’t happen as frequently. There’s always political pressure involved. So even when fuel costs soar through the roof, fares don’t keep up.

Sure, state governments reimburse the SRTUs for the concessions they dole out. But it’s often not enough. There are numerous delays. And even a gap of a few hundred crores of rupees each year. If you add the rising costs that don’t get tacked on to the fares, you’ll see that the SRTUs are often left with no option but to borrow money to survive. And that comes with an interest cost too which further worsens their situation.

So what’s the end result of all this?

Well, we get old and poorly maintained buses — nearly a quarter of all SRTU buses are overaged or older than 8 years. And the older the buses, the poorer the fuel efficiency. This again adds to the costs. Also, these poorly maintained buses could turn people away from bus rides. They’ll find alternatives. And that’ll create a bigger dip in revenue growth.

But hey, all these are just the symptoms. The root cause of the problem is something else…

The brutal truth is that we just don’t care enough about our buses. Just look at the website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The last published performance review of these state-run buses was way back in 2017.

Okay, it’s not like the government has completely ignored it. They’re trying to finalize the reports for FY18 and FY19 now. But it’s still way too much of a time lag. And the provisional numbers that we gathered don’t paint a pretty picture — the 56 SRTUs across the country have suffered a combined loss of a staggering ₹17,000 crore. It looks grimmer with each passing year.

And if we don’t know how dire the situation is, how do we take the right action to rectify it? How do we decide how much money is needed to turn around the sorry state of affairs?

For instance, India has around 3 lakh buses run by state undertakings. But some estimates say that India needs around 30 lakh buses to meet the needs of the population. And since we all love comparisons, heres’s one — While China has about 60 buses for every 10,000 people, India has a measly 4 buses that serve the needs of 10,000 folks. The bare minimum is 12. So we’re way off the mark.

But despite being aware of this problem, we continue to under-allocate to the bus system. Historically, public transport gets less than 1% of the annual budget for road transport and highways. And that’s not nearly enough.

Because public transport may not always be profitable. The priority here is to improve welfare and convenience for the people. It has to be subsidised one way or another.

And before you say, “But the railways…,” let’s clarify something — even the passenger railways in India don’t make any money. In fact, Raosaheb Danve, who’s the Minister of State for Railways, says that for every rupee spent, the Railways lose 55 paise. Instead, it makes up for this by offering freight services to the private sector.

But buses can’t transport goods right. So SRTUs have no option but to think of other ways to drum up revenue. They have to figure out ways to increase their non-traffic receipts which account for just 5% of their revenues.

For instance, there’s the tried and tested advertising angle. Look around you and you’ll probably see fewer ads on the buses. That’s probably because brands may not want to be associated with a poorly maintained machine. So the problem with this is that buses do need to be spruced up before this revenue source can be tapped. But they first need money to do that.

And maybe if they can’t attract advertisers on buses, they have to improve efficiency in renting out space at bus stations to private players who then put up supermarkets or build mini shopping malls.

Or even do the simple things right and find reasonable ways to cut costs. For instance, through periodic “route rationalisation” to figure out if the best routes and stops are being used. Because right now, these studies are few and far between. No one pays enough attention to it.

And even the government can play its part. You see, government bus operators pay a whole host of taxes — almost 13 types on their assets and operations. This might include a motor vehicle tax, passenger tax, municipal levies, service tax on air-conditioned bus fares…the list goes on. In fact, taxes alone might make up 20% of an SRTU’s cost. Maybe rationalizing this alone can save a good chunk of money and lead them on the path to financial viability.

Oh, and not to forget — the induction of electric buses. Because that way, we’ll at least save on fuel costs.

Otherwise, the coffers will bleed dry and we’ll be left with a fairly inefficient public bus transport system. And that’ll be a shame because, for India’s masses, buses are what serve as connectors to better education, employment, and public services.

Until next time…

How to Master Driving Skills in the Indian Bus Simulator Game

christypknop (31)in #modapk • last year

Driving a virtual bus through the vibrant streets of India in the Indian Bus Simulator game is an exhilarating experience that demands precision, patience, and a keen understanding of traffic rules. To become a proficient bus driver in this virtual world, one must grasp the nuances of driving in chaotic traffic, navigating through narrow lanes, and managing a behemoth of a vehicle. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into every aspect of mastering driving skills in the Indian Bus Simulator game, ensuring that you can confidently maneuver through the bustling Indian cities.

1. Getting Acquainted with the Controls

Before you embark on your journey towards becoming a master bus driver, take some time to acquaint yourself with the game's controls. Understanding how the steering wheel responds, how to accelerate and brake smoothly, and how to shift gears effectively is fundamental. Adjusting sensitivity settings to align with your preferences can make a significant difference in your driving experience.

2. Starting with Simplicity

For beginners, it's wise to initiate your adventure with the game's easier routes. These routes often feature lighter traffic and more straightforward road layouts, allowing you to practice basic driving skills. This initial experience will help you build confidence and familiarity with the controls and the feel of your virtual bus.

3. Embracing Traffic Rules

A pivotal aspect of mastering driving skills in the Indian Bus Simulator game is adhering to traffic rules. Treat red lights as stop signs, adhere to speed limits, and employ turn signals when changing lanes. Failure to abide by these rules may result in penalties or accidents, hindering your progression in the game.

4. Exercising Patience

Patience is a virtue in the realm of bus simulation, especially when navigating the bustling streets of India. Expect the unexpected, and be prepared to react calmly to unforeseen situations. Avoid reckless maneuvers and aggressive driving, as they can lead to accidents that can affect your in-game progress.

5. Mastering the Art of Parking and Maneuvering

Parking a bus can be a daunting task, particularly in the narrow and congested streets of India. Dedicate time to practice parking and maneuvering your bus in tight spaces. Learn how to execute precise turns and reverse your bus safely. Proficiency in these skills is vital for a smooth journey through crowded city streets.

6. Utilizing Your Mirrors

Vigilance is key, and your mirrors play a crucial role in maintaining awareness of your surroundings. Always check your mirrors before making turns, changing lanes, or stopping at bus stops. Being attuned to your environment is imperative for avoiding accidents and ensuring a seamless journey.

7. Familiarizing Yourself with Bus Routes

Each route in the Indian Bus Simulator game presents unique challenges and features. Invest time in learning the routes you plan to drive regularly. Acquaint yourself with the stops, traffic patterns, and potential obstacles. This knowledge will enable you to plan your journeys more efficiently.

8. Upgrading Your Virtual Bus

As you progress in the game, the opportunity to upgrade and customize your bus becomes available. Consider investing in enhancements such as more powerful engines, responsive brakes, and improved suspension to enhance your bus's performance. A well-maintained bus can make your role as a driver considerably more manageable.

9. Handling Diverse Weather Conditions

Indian Bus Simulator often incorporates various weather conditions, from clear and sunny to rainy and foggy. Each weather condition poses distinct challenges. Exercise caution during adverse weather, as visibility may be reduced, and road conditions may deteriorate.

10. Maintaining Composure Under Pressure

In the world of bus simulation, unforeseen events and passenger demands are par for the course. Maintain your composure in high-pressure situations, address passenger concerns, and handle challenging scenarios with grace. A composed and confident driver is more likely to excel in the game.

Understanding the Indian Bus Simulator Mod APK

Indian Bus Simulator Mod APK is a modified version of the Indian Bus Simulator game that offers additional features and advantages to players. While it can enhance your gaming experience, it's essential to use it responsibly and within the terms set by the game's developers. Be cautious when downloading and installing mods, as they can potentially compromise the integrity of the game or your device's security. Remember that mastering the game's original version provides a more authentic and rewarding experience, but if you choose to explore the modded version, ensure it aligns with your gameplay goals and interests.

Mastering driving skills in the Indian Bus Simulator game is an immersive journey that demands dedication and practice. By following these detailed tips and consistently refining your skills, you'll soon find yourself confidently navigating the bustling Indian streets and delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for your virtual passengers. Embrace the challenges, savor the virtual scenery, and enjoy your role as a skilled bus driver in the Indian Bus Simulator world. Happy driving!