Arequipa made history as the first city to adopt a Trufi-powered app as the official app for public transportation. Built on Trufi Core, the Arequipa Bus app represented a bold step toward digital transformation in urban mobility.
The collaboration between Trufi Association and the Municipality of Arequipa demonstrated what’s possible when city governments embrace open-source technology and community-driven data.
Trufi delivered a comprehensive, user-friendly transport solution empowering citizens to use public transport in the city.
App Features
- Route planning across bus networks
- Step-by-step navigation with visual map guidance
- Customizable preferences: minimize walking or reduce transfers
- Direct bus identification with route colors and numbers
- Easy-to-use interface requiring just a few taps
- Offered in Spanish for local accessibility
Photo: Michael Müller (CC-BY-NC)
A First for Trufi — and for Arequipa
For the first time, a city government formally supported and endorsed a Trufi-developed app. This partnership along with our lessons learned is a model for future collaborations with cities interested in leveraging the Trufi Core platform. Arequipa Bus proved that city governments can play an active role in modernizing public transportation through open technology.
Built on Open Data, Powered by Trufi Core
Like all Trufi apps, Arequipa Bus was built on our open-source Trufi Core platform, with transport data sourced from OpenStreetMap. The app offered comprehensive information on bus routes, stops, and schedules, providing citizens with a reliable tool to navigate the city.
One user said, “I open Arequipa Bus, select my current location, choose my destination, and with just a few taps, everything is planned. The app shows me the corner where I need to catch my bus. It’s like having a virtual public transport assistant in my pocket.”
Why Arequipa Bus Mattered
This project was more than just a mobile app — it was a statement of intent. By endorsing Arequipa Bus, the Municipality of Arequipa signaled its commitment to Improving transparency and accountability in formal transport networks and to provide citizens with modern tools to navigate their city
The app focused on formal public transportation, promoting accountability by enabling formal operators to be monitored — helping to prevent route deviations and unauthorized stops.
Arequipa Bus demonstrated Trufi’s ability to partner with city governments to deliver impactful, technology-driven mobility solutions. It opened the door for similar collaborations with forward-thinking municipalities across Latin America and beyond.
Ready to Bring Smarter Mobility to Your City?
Trufi Association partners with city governments, transport authorities, and development organizations to create custom, open-source public transport apps that put citizens first. From route mapping to app deployment, we provide the technology and expertise to turn your mobility vision into reality.
This project was developed with support from German development cooperation, implemented by GIZ.
Contact Trufi Association About Arequipa Bus
Featured Photo: KK70088 (CC-BY-SA)