Mumbai commuters can plan travel better as BEST to install GPS, PIS in buses by February

PIS will provide real-time information about the arrival time, delay and different bus routes, while GPS will help commuters track buses in real-time

Acting on the long-pending demand of commuters to install global positioning system (GPS) and passenger information system (PIS) in its 3,700 buses, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) said it would do so by February.

There are 3,700 BEST buses in Mumbai.

BEST general manager Surendrakumar Bagde revealed this in a committee meeting on Monday.

PIS will provide real-time information about the arrival time, delay owing to traffic jam and different bus routes. GPS will help BEST authorities and commuters track buses in real-time. Commuters can also track buses using the BEST mobile application.

The BEST administration took the decision after studying the use of GPS and PIS in the country and abroad. “We have studied the operation of the buses on GPS and PIS system throughout the country and will be introducing them in our fleet by February,” said Bagde.

The administration believes the real-time tracking facilities will increase the number passengers.

The demand for real-time updates dates back to 2012.

“The real-time update in BEST buses is highly required. There are times when we wait for more than 20 minutes for one bus. The passenger information system will help us determine the exact waiting time and we can plan our travel.” said Kavita Deshmukh, a Byculla resident.