GPS technology to nab errant private bus crew

Irangika Range

The National Transport Commission (NTC) launched a pilot project to monitor driving capabilities of inter- provincial private buses (long distance) using the Global Positioning System (GPS).

"The GPS is a satellite navigation system that provides information on the location," NTC chairman Roshan Gunawardene said.

He said GPS tracking devices have already been fixed in 585 inter-provincial long distance private buses plying on routes of Jaffna-Colombo, Vavuniya-Colombo, Chilaw-Colombo, Puttalam-Colombo, Nuwaraeliya-Colombo, Welimada-Colombo, Hatton-Colombo and the Southern Highway.

The buses are monitored at the NTC headoffice in Narahenpita. "We can monitor the conduct of the conductors and drivers of these buses at whatever location," he said.

Gunawardena said this step has been taken due to many passengers often complaining of reckless driving as well as time wasted by private buses.

The system is used to nab errant private bus drivers and if a driver is seen violating road rules, action will be taken against him, he said.

Gunawardena said long distance inter-provincial private buses are being monitored for violation of road rules including speeding, disregarding the timetable and route and misbehaving.

Buses travelling at high and low speed, not stopping at bus halts and waiting a long time at bus halts can be monitored through this technology, he said. "We can monitor the time the bus departs and if the bus detours," Gunawardena said.

"We can also monitor through satellite technology if the buses follow the scheduled timetable and ply according to the required time speed," he said.

"If we notice any wrong acts of drivers, satellite phones installed inside the bus are used to instruct them," he said. He said passengers travelling in buses where the equipment has been fitted, could call NTC on hotline 1955 and lodge complaint.

The safety of commuters and to prevent illegal action is the main idea to introduce the GPS system, Gunawardena said.

The system is to be introduced for the entire bus network within the coming years.