By January-end, when travelling in a public bus you can get information on the next bus stop and traffic status on your cellphone, via bluetooth.
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has decided to install bluetooth devices inside regular and air-conditioned
King long buses.
So when passengers switch on the bluetooth on their cellphone they can get information such as the next bus stop, estimated time of arrival, destination of the bus, traffic status and other buses on the same route — for free. (See box, How it will work)
The cost of installing the service, called Mobileji, is Rs 1 lakh per bus and will be borne by the private contractor.
“Once connected, live data will be available on the passengers’ phones using bluetooth, GPRS and SMS free of cost,” said BEST chairman, Dilip Patel.
“We will start this service in a phased manner by January-end with 25 buses. We will gradually install the device in three buses every day,” said a senior BEST official, requesting anonymity for lack of authorisation to speak with the media.
Commuters can also access details of the ATMs on the road they are passing, download ringtones and wallpapers. But these facilities will be at a cost — the charge will be decided by the private contractor, who will install the devices and separate LCD televisions.
The LCDs, that will be connected to the bluetooth device, will display advertisements, and also discount offers at shopping malls and shops when the bus passes through the areas.
“Commuters can download information of such offers on their mobile handsets, but at a cost,” said a BEST official.