Mangalore: GPS-enabled ‘Bus Voice’ Introduced on Inter–district Bus Service

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM/RD)
Pics: Ganesh S Perla
 
Mangalore, Nov 21: Harish, driver of Jayaraj bus plying between Mangalore and Bhatkal was extra careful today than the earlier days. ‘Bus Voice,’ Global Positioning System (GPS)-enabled new system to monitor and track the bus has been introduced in this bus for the first time-ever in India.

When the bus left Mangalore bus terminus at 10.15 am on Wednesday, November 21, the driver and conductor were curious about this device. When the bus reached Bunts Hostel, the technician asked the driver to switch-off and restart the device. It is interesting now, that when the bus reached Lalbhag, the ‘Bus Voice’ started speaking…

Totally it is a new experience for all. When the bus reached a specific stop, the ‘Bus Voice’ was announcing the stages to the passengers.

Moreover, it did not forget to tell the passengers to collect their tickets and the balance money. The ‘Bus Voice’ was also ensuring the safety of the passengers.  The bus owner and Regional Transport Officer (RTO) were monitoring the movement of the bus, the number of passengers, the stages it has covered en-route the destination, in the comfort of their respective offices.  They can promptly direct the driver from over speeding, besides any traffic hindrance en-route can be conveyed to the respective owners and RTO, by the driver.

When Rajesh Kunder, CEO of i-Factor technologies, who developed this indigenous device, realized the successful working of their recent innovation ‘Bus Voice,’ he was one of the happiest persons.

Speaking to ‘daijiworld.com’ Rajesh Kunder said that several test runs were made before the introduction of this ‘Bus Voice.’ This is the initial step taken by Canara Bus Owners’ Association and i-Factor technologies. Further developments will be made with ‘Bus Voice’, in the coming days to ensure more safety and comfort of passengers, he added.

‘Jayaraj’ is the first bus to implement such an advanced technology. This technology will be implemented in 100 buses with an expenditure of Rs 40 lac. It will be introduced in 500 more buses within a year, stated K Rajavarma Ballal, president, Canara Bus Owners’ Association. 

The ill-state of National Highway (NH) 17 was a bane for the bus operators and the commuters alike, till now.  However, with the introduction of ‘Bus Voice’ it would become boon for the bus operators and passengers who would be ensured of safety and comfort. Hence, if this project proves successful in reducing accidents by monitoring speed, it will be a total benefit for all.