KSRTC’s M-Governance project for providing bus time table for the commuters via SMS, started in September 2011 seems to be a failure now. Reference: Inauguration News published by us on 3rd September. Click Here
The much-touted SMS facility introduced by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to help passengers know bus timings seems to be a failure. Passengers find it not at all user-friendly because they have to keep a list of station codes if they want to use the facility. Besides, there is no guarantee that the transport corporation will reply even if you send an SMS. KSRTC’s SMS format requires passengers to key in the codes of boarding stations and destination points to know bus timings. Passengers will have to follow the format `KSRTC – space – starting depot code – space – destination depot code’ to send an SMS enquiry to the number 537252. Though the transport corporation promises to provide a list of 20 buses on getting the SMS, commuters who have tried this service get a response stating that the service is not available. “I tried to get information on bus services between Ernakulam and Alappuzha. But I got a reply that the service is not available. I decided to check the efficiency of the system by keying in codes of other stations. But I got the same reply,” says Manjith, a resident of Kochi. “The facility also does not come free of cost,” he says. “The mobile service providers charge higher for such SMSs.” KSRTC introduced the service as part of its much-hyped M-governance project, which is included in the 100-day programme of the state government. To enable the facility, KSRTC used the services developed by the Kerala State IT Mission. The transport corporation claims that the facility is available for superfast and upper class services, certain fast passenger services and some important services. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation chairman and managing director K G Mohanlal says that the corporation is aware of the irregularities of the SMS facility. “There is a need to revamp the online facilities of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation. I have received complaints regarding the current system. We have plans to introduce a better website with more passenger-friendly options,” he says.
Source: Times Of India