Tracking system to cover private buses: Warring

Chandigarh, October 12

Transport Minister Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Tuesday announced that the newly launched vehicle tracking system (VTS) will be further extended to all private buses operating in the state.

Real-time monitoring

The vehicle tracking system monitors buses in real-time. It checks over-speeding of buses, overnight stay, stoppage at places other than designated stops, etc. — Amrinder Raja Warring, Transport minister

Reviewing the functioning of the Bus Tracking System Monitoring and Control Room at the head office of Punjab Roadways and PUNBUS, Raja Warring said the performance of buses of private operators wasn’t satisfactory in terms of safety; hence vehicle tracking system will be installed in private buses as well. The minister also rang up depot general managers, drivers and conductors randomly to check the working of the system.

The Transport Minister said the system had been implemented in 1,450 buses of PUNBUS/Punjab Roadways so far. The system ensures transparent and time-bound travelling of buses and security of women with availability of panic buttons. He said the tracking system was checking over-speeding of buses, harsh braking and acceleration, overnight stay, stoppage at places other than designated stops, stay of buses on dhabas for more than 25 minutes, route diversion, bypassing cities, missing stops, real-time monitoring of arrival and departure of buses from counters, actual travel distance of buses, etc.

Meanwhile, with petrol and diesel prices surging to a record high at Rs 105 and Rs 95.16 per litre respectively, traders under the banner of Punjab Beopar Mandal have urged the Centre and the state government to work in a coordinated manner to reduce taxes on fuel prices and provide them some relief. — TNS