Technology ensures KSRTC drivers don't leave you stranded

Complaints about state transport bus crew leaving passengers stranded by deviating from designated routes and skipping stops are common. But the new vehicle monitoring units (VMU) installed on around 2,000 Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses has been able to clamp down on such drivers and conductors.

Earlier, though passengers used complain to KSRTC higher-ups about drivers offloading them midway or not picking up passengers from designated stops, officials had no proof to act against them.

But now, officials have evidence on their fingertips as the VMU, with a GPS, records details like the route the bus has taken and the time taken. It is also equipped with a technology that shows how the driver drives like excess use of the throttle.

Based on evidence recorded in the VMU, a driver was also suspended for skipping a stop, sending a strong message to errant drivers.

This incident made them realise that they cannot lie to higher-ups since they are under constant surveillance. The technology is a boon to women passengers, who can rest assured they will be dropped off at the designated stops, an official said.

KSRTC managing director Rajender Kumar Kataria told Deccan Herald that complaints against drivers like abandoning passengers and not picking them up from stops can now be easily verified. He said with this proof, strict action will be initiated.

The department has so far conducted education programmes for around 778 drivers on violations like overspeeding and excess use of the accelerator which result in high fuel consumption.

An official in the KSRTC told Deccan Herald that violations have come down since the adoption of the technology. Drivers now maintain the speed limit and punctuality.