Union government likely to adopt KSRTC's 'smart system'

Model will be implemented elsewhere in country if found efficacious

The Centre is likely to implement the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) ‘smart system’ in other cities outside the State after examining the success of the model in 10 cities across Karnataka.

Rajender Kumar Kataria, Managing Director, KSRTC, told Deccan Herald that the Central government will adopt KSRTC’s smart system model in the transport sector in cities outside Karnataka based on the success rate of the system in these 10 cities. “The smart system includes features such as the automatic passenger information system (PIS). It is to our credit that 10 cities are being identified. The KSRTC will work on the system rigorously and establish it as a 100 per cent smart performance model,” he said.

The KSRTC has decided to extend automated systems to its city services in 28 cities, 10 of which will be monitored by the Centre. At present, Mysuru and Tumakuru are on the list, the remaining eight cities will be identified in the coming days.

The Mysuru city service being operated by KSRTC runs the fully-equipped smart system complete with boards at bus stops that electronically transmits information to waiting passengers.

“The objective of the smart system project is to build and enhance connectivity. Ultimately, when connectivity is established in all these cities, it becomes easy for passengers to move from one connected city to another,” a senior KSRTC official said.

The positive effects of the project are manifold according to KSRTC officials:Travel time will come down, people don’t have to wait for long hours at bus stops, passengers can catch other buses if they are aware that their bus will arrive late, buses are also likely to be on schedule because they are being monitored.

KSRTC has implemented the Vehicle Monitoring and Tracking System (VMTS) on 2,000 KSRTC buses in phase one. In the second phase, the VMTS will be installed on 15,000 buses covering the entire State. The idea is to boost the efficiency of the entire transport network in the State, the official added.