Article originally appeared in Deccan Herald
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation is planning to introduce the Global Positioning System and Passenger Information System in its entire fleet and bus stations by early next year. The KSRTC has asked information technology companies to submit an expression of interest for implementing IT-enabled services before November 31. During the first phase, GPS is expected to be installed in long distance buses. Later it will be extended to all buses. The KSRTC general manager, Mr G.Venugopal, informed that the procedures for introducing the GPS were progressing at fast pace. The system is expected to be implemented soon after completing the formalities relating to the expression of interest. “The IT enabled services including installing of GPS in the buses are expected to improve the working of the KSRTC and enhance its productivity,” he said. Apart from GPS for tracking of buses, the other IT enabled services planned by the KSRTC include real-time information on ticket sales and PIS. The road transport corporation is also planning to make use of Information Techonology-enabled services for fleet monitoring, operations management and to provide real-time information on vehicle fuel management.