Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is all set to roll out its ambitious ITS project on Wednesday. Chief Minister S Siddaramaiah, will launch the project officially by inaugurating the master control room set up at the Shanthinagar TTMC in the city.
Speaking to reporters, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, BMTC MD Dr Ekroop Caur and Chairman Nabhiraj Jain, explained the salient features of the ITS, which is expected to revolutionise transport and transit management in the city.
Ekroop Caur also informed us that for the very first time in the country, a large transport corporation, with more than 6,400 buses, is being implemented using the ITS system.
How does it work?
All BMTC buses will be fitted with a GPS system, which will enable officials in the control room to monitor every individual bus. A message will be delivered to the control room via GPS once every ten seconds. Every detail from the direction of the bus, its deviation from its original route, its occupancy rate and if it has stopped for more than 20 seconds, will be collected through the GPS system.
At all TTMCs and major bus terminals, digital display screens will be set up. On these screens, information about arrivals and departures will be displayed. The route number of a bus, its time of expected arrival and the time of its departure will be displayed on these huge boards, enabling passengers to plan their trips ahead.
Electronic Ticket Machines
ETMs are another feature of the ITS. Through these ETMs, bus fare collections can be monitored on a real-time basis. Additionally, these ETMs will also enable officials to track every bus. According to officials, these ETMs are expected to enhance revenue by plugging all loss of revenue in the form of non-issuing of tickets.
Mobile App
The Mobile App to be developed, which is to be a part of the ITS, will allow passengers to follow the bus on a real-time bus. It will also enable passengers to get all the details about routes, buses and expected arrival and departure times, ensuring the safety and security of all passengers.
Call centre
All buses will be fitted with a two-way communicable audio device. With its help, a crew member on any bus can contact a call centre executive at any time.
