MVD mulls app for dynamic bus-scheduling to prevent reckless driving in Greater Kochi
Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority meeting headed by the Transport Minister observes that the running time fixed four decades ago is insufficient, considering the manifold increase in the number of vehicles and worsening congestion on roads and at junctions
The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) in Greater Kochi is considering the implementation of a dynamic bus-scheduling app to curb reckless driving and dangerous overtaking by buses. This proposal follows repeated directives from the Kerala High Court and the Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority (KMTA) urging the MVD and police to address the issue of reckless driving in the city.
A senior MVD official revealed that the KMTA, chaired by Transport Minister C.P. John, had directed the Ernakulam Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to increase the running time for city buses to 2.5 minutes per kilometer, a move deemed inadequate given the surge in vehicle numbers and worsening traffic congestion.
In response to these directives, the RTA board, consisting of top MVD and police officials, plans to convene shortly to deliberate on the introduction of the dynamic scheduling system. This system will utilize live traffic data to adjust bus timings dynamically. Moreover, a special committee of motor vehicle inspectors will be formed to explore methods to streamline bus services and mitigate reckless driving incidents.
By rationalizing bus schedules and extending services to high-demand routes, the dynamic system aims to optimize bus utilization and improve overall efficiency.
Bus operator Navas K.M. emphasized the potential benefits of such a dynamic system, stating that it would benefit both passengers and bus operators by creating a mutually advantageous scenario. The 'Kerala Buses' app could serve as a valuable data source for implementing this system. One of the critical recommendations includes the immediate reallocation of existing bus schedules to provide buses with adequate time to complete each kilometer.
Additionally, steps must be taken to prevent overlapping timings between private and Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, ensuring a seamless and efficient public transport network.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
