VIJAYAWADA: The APSRTC is likely to introduce a new mapping system for all buses, which helps passengers track the bus they want to board, and also allows the RTC to monitor the speed and other aspects of the vehicle.
The new mapping system GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) and GTFS-Realtime for digital transit info, enables the APSRTC to provide real-time bus tracking, accurate arrival time, and service alerts on apps like Google Maps.
The new system follows global standards for sharing static schedules, routes, stops and live updates such as vehicle position and delay, if any.
During a recent review meeting with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, APSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao explained the modalities and functioning of GFTS. Naidu directed the APSRTC to implement the project on a pilot basis first.
According to sources, GTFS will be installed in the entire APSRTC fleet of 11,495 buses, including rental vehicles, and also in the newly procured electric buses. GTFS works in two modules - static and real-time. While the static GTFS standardises files (like CSVs in a ZIP) containing fixed data pertaining to bus stops, routes, schedules, fares, and geographic info, the real-time GFTS uses live data, efficient protocol buffers for live location tracking of buses.
New system to improve passenger experience
“Like many large agencies, the APSRTC also plans to provide the bus data to platforms like Google, which allows users to plan journeys, see estimated arrival time (ETA), and get live alerts on their smartphones,” said a senior APSRTC official.
The new system will improve passenger experience, which nullifies uncertainty, resulting in planning of journey schedules well in advance. “In addition, the data can be used by other apps, and for analysis of transport patterns, and assess the commuter rush. Real-time updates provide accurate info to passengers. The APSRTC plans to leverage the GTFS to bridge the gap between their operations and digital passenger information systems, making public transport more accessible, the official said..