Bus location tracking still a distant dream passengers left guessing

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Passengers waiting for ST buses are still in the dark about their arrival times, despite a vehicle tracking system (VTS) being installed in all buses. The much-promised mobile app for real-time tracking remains unavailable, leaving commuters frustrated and forced to rely on inquiry counters.

The maharashtra state road transport corporation (MSRTC) introduced VTS in 2019 to improve punctuality, streamline schedules, and provide real-time updates. However, despite two years of waiting, the app that was supposed to make bus tracking easier is yet to launch. Passengers still have no way to check the exact location of their bus from home.

575 buses equipped, but no public access to data

The district has 575 GPS-enabled buses, including both new and old models. But without an app, the system remains ineffective for passengers. Instead of tracking buses from their phones, commuters must reach the station 30 minutes early or wait in long queues at inquiry counters.

Where are these GPS-enabled buses?

Depot Total Buses

Cidco Bus Stand 120

Central Bus Stand 113

Paithan 77

Sillod 65

Vaijapur 50

Kannad 48

Gangapur 50

Soygaon 35

Will the app ever arrive?

The MSRTC planned an upgraded app that would allow passengers to enter their ticket number and track their bus location. But the project has been stalled for two years, raising doubts about whether it will ever be launched. "VTS has been installed in all buses. Bus locations can be tracked on computers at bus stations," said divisional transport officer Santosh Ghane.