Live information of bus at finger tips

• Experimental plan launched by KSRTC

Mangaluru: Currently one can get live information on which train is passing through where and at what time a train will reach the station. Similarly, live information on KSRTC buses too will be available in a few days.

VTMS implementation

KSRTC has come forward with ‘Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring System’ (VTMS) to keep a track on the movement of the government buses and also provide information on their movement. On an experimental basis, the first phase has been implemented in the rural division of Mangaluru, Puttur, Ramanagara (Harohalli) to altogether 1,900 buses.

What are the benefits?

Through the use of VTMS, KSRTC Central office at Bengaluru will get definite information of the bus traveling in which region. In future, the benefits of this facility will also be passed on to the passengers. The information on what time the bus will reach the bus stand? At what speed the bus is traveling will be made available to the passenger on his mobile through its dedicated application. Also an SMS will be sent.

GPRS to 365 buses

Of the 570 buses in the Mangaluru division, 356 buses have been installed with GPRS. The information on the speed of the bus and the time at which the bus will reach the bus stand is currently available at Mangaluru control room. This will be soon implemented in a more effective manner. Soon the information will be available on mobiles as well as on the display boards. Specially, KSRTC ticket vending machine will be installed with software through which the conductor will be able to book tickets online.

App to be ready soon

A new app is being made available for the passengers to compliment the experimental implementation of VTMS. Currently, there is an app called ‘Mitra’ used in Mysuru and a similar app will be designed for the divisions. If the app becomes available, complete information on the bus travel will be known.

“There is expectation for the complete implementation of VTMS soon, through which the safety of the passengers, bus travel duration, and complete information of the place will be available on the mobile. This will be controlled from Bengaluru,” informed Deepak Kumar, KSRTC Mangaluru Division Officer.