Busbud, the Canadian titan of travel booking, has successfully acquired Ratality, the South African pioneer in revenue optimization software for the travel industry.
Ratality, established in 2017, has been at the forefront of digital transformation for ground travel operators, offering a suite of cloud-based software solutions that enable businesses to manage their operations digitally and optimise revenue streams. Their services cater to various ground transportation modes, including buses, coaches, ferries, and tours.
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The acquisition by Busbud, a company renowned for its extensive global marketplace for bus and train ticket bookings, signifies a strategic enhancement of its business suite with Ratality’s sought-after features like advanced demand forecasting and dynamic pricing. This move not only strengthens Busbud’s B2B offerings but also solidifies its position as a comprehensive solution provider for operators across the globe.
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The merger is expected to yield significant advancements in fleet operations management, contributing to a smoother and more reliable service for customers.
Ratali CEO optimistic about the merger
Arend de Waal, the CEO of Ratality, expressed optimism about the merger’s capacity to extend their innovative solutions to a global audience, leveraging their success in other sectors such as airlines. LP Maurice, the CEO of Busbud, emphasised the value Ratality’s expertise brings to their platform, enhancing their ability to support ground travel operators’ success on a global scale.
This strategic union is set to unlock new potentials in the ground travel sector, driving innovation and efficiency for operators and delivering enhanced travel experiences for customers worldwide.
How the acquisition will impact travellers
For travellers, this acquisition means access to a more robust and efficient booking platform, with the potential for more competitive pricing and improved travel experiences.
The acquisition of Ratality by Busbud is set to bring many improvements for travellers, primarily through enhanced operational efficiency and customer service. Here’s what travellers can expect:
More Efficient Services: Integrating Ratality’s revenue management system into Busbud’s platform will streamline operations, potentially leading to faster and more reliable ground travel services.
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Better Pricing Options: With advanced demand forecasting and dynamic pricing, travellers might benefit from more competitive pricing and discounts, making travel more affordable.
Broader Coverage: Busbud’s expansion, especially in Africa, means travellers could access a broader network of routes, increasing their travel options.
Enhanced Travel Experience: The acquisition has already shown positive outcomes, such as a significant increase in passengers and improvements in seat factor for a South African operator, indicating that travellers are responding well to the enhanced services2.
The acquisition aims to provide customers with a more seamless, efficient, and cost-effective travel experience worldwide.