Date: November 21, 2023. — In a bid to enhance the safety and comfort of passengers, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has decided to install vehicle tracking devices on 429 buses operating in Ghaziabad district. The project is supported by the central government’s Nirbhaya Fund. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
According to UPSRTC officials, the vehicle tracking devices will enable passengers to track the real-time location, speed, and arrival time of the buses. Moreover, can do this through a mobile app or a web portal. The devices will also help the UPSRTC to monitor the performance, fuel efficiency, and maintenance of the buses. The devices will connect to a central control room at the UPSRTC office in Kaushambi. Officials can keep an eye on the movement of the buses and alert the drivers in case of any emergency or deviation from the route.
The UPSRTC Ghaziabad region’s fleet has designated 429 out of 967 buses for VLTD installation. Currently, 286 buses in the area have tracking devices installed. The project will cover 429 buses of different categories. This includes 30 electric buses, 50 low-floor air-conditioned buses, and 349 ordinary buses. Furthermore, the electric buses and the low-floor buses equipped with CCTV cameras and GPS devices. Soon, the authorities will fit the new devices to the ordinary buses. The UPSRTC has already floated a tender for the procurement and installation of the devices. Moreover, it is awaiting approval from the state government.
According to UPSRTC officials, the project’s goals are to improve traveler experiences through the use of technology. It also aims to address the issue of women’s safety on buses. Because passengers will be able to plan their excursions more effectively and avoid crammed buses, they said that the scheme will also contribute in lowering pollution and traffic congestion in the city.
