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It's a typical for anyone to feel connected to a public enterprise than to a private undertaking. Probably, it's in our conditioning. In this context, let me take you to a short narrative about KSRTC , KeraIa's transport corporation.
Yes, I love KSRTC than the over speeding private buses. But, off late, this transport corporation like many other Govt supported entities are not doing good. The reason are many, which is not the aim of this post.
All, that I'm concerned like any person is to see this corporation making enough collection, to become in a position to pay timely salaries, give better raise, provide good medical insurance to drivers, pay pension in time, etc.
However, the solution is not easy,nor too hard! What's required is a champion mindset to make a big makeover!
So, what can we do to improve collection of KSRTC?
Here's my mega plan which I had shared in my earlier blogs and shared to many people around. Somehow, no one seems to be interested in my plan.
It's all about Two-STEP Plan. Out of the first step is 100% Electrification of buses. ( That will take mega capital).
So, what's the next plan. And, here's the ONLY solution ( ottamoole) .ഒറ്റമൂലി. സർവ്വരോഗനിവാരിണി. സർവ്വരോഗശമനൗഷധം.
What's the Million Dollar ഒറ്റമൂലി.for KSRTC
Before we dive into the problem of low collection or how private bus owners are eating KSRTC's share!
Here's my personal experience which happened not so long back. I was once waiting at Malappuram bus depot to catch the evening Kochuveli Rajya Rani Express at Angadipuram railway station. It was around 8:30 and slowly it became a large gathering. All of us were looking the side of the down hill from where the bus is expected.
After some 20 minutes, a private bus came rushing in. This bus already had people standing and now it's going to be crowded. At first I hesitated to get in as I had two large two large bags to carry. But then, I didn't want to take a chance as no one knew when the next bus will arrive. ( There's a small kSRTC office inside Malappuram depot, but it was deserted and lonely. No announcement!
So, I ended up like many others,squeezed like a pack of mathi ( sardine) one on another.
And, my next question is how did this private fellow know when to come to sweep all of us? Probably, they have informants in most stops to notify the number of passengers waiting at each stop. And, I guess everyone knows about this setup!
GPS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION for KSRTC
The whole idea of my post is hinged on using GPS monitoring for identifying the location of KSRTC bus on the road. Imagine this scenario:
1. Create a user friendly GPS App ( Geo-location based apps use Google maps API.)
2. App should be able to track the location of buses in a particular locality, ( Category or color code for Express, Fast Passenger and city buses. )
3. Each bus on the road will be on the app. This means, each bus should have a mobile phone with data to track the movement.
4. Similar to Uber app, people can download KSRTC App from Google Play or Apple App Store
5. User friendly log-in. User should be able to use the app with just phone number. ( Copy Uber or Ola app for reference) or they can check the apps of any other transport corporation.
Probably, it can be similar to apps for tracking the train or apps used to book train ticket. Eg: Live Train Status | Spot Your Train |Check Live Train Status app found online.
5. The city bus or Fast Passenger or Express will have a different color code and each category of bus ( fast passenger will have a different color). Even Smart electric Buses currently plying on the road will be on the app.
6. This kind of technology will vastly reduce the unnecessary speed competition between private and public. Also, the accidents caused by private bus operators will come down.
7. This solution can be implemented by private owners as they can improve the service without the need for speed race.
8. Technology adoption will require massive funds, but looking at the long term benefit, it will be a life changing for KSRTC. What say?
9. This will improve the productivity and efficiency of the transport service.
10. Public will be ones who will benefit out of such app. We all know how it's to wait at a bus stop, not knowing when the bus will come. Often after waiting for some time, we take an auto. Once we get inside an auto, then we happen to see the bus coming at a distance. All such scenarios will not happen! And, we can remove the uncertain nature of book arrival and location.
BIG SCREEN DISPLAY AT KSRTC DEPOTS
Once GPS system of tracking is implemented, each KSRTC DEPOT can display the location map in big screen. This will be helpful for those who doesn't have smart phone. Also, small kiosks with touch screen will help people to search for buses and even alternate routes.
It's not an easy solution as it would require a good app, money to buy equipment, technology solution, smart phones in each bus, data connection costs etc. So, where can we get the funds!
I think I have shared a similar idea about fund raising for KSRTC in another blog post. It could happen the way I explained or it could be with the support by big IT companies. For example, KSRTC MD can first reach out to Google who are into the forefront of implementing such solutions.
If a tech company agrees to bear the cost of technology, then it would be a great start to a project. In return, the bus will bear a sticker or banner saying - Initiative of Google or XYZ company! It's a win win for both and a big gain for the society!
What do you say? Will it work?
I'm positive about it. However, it should start with the approval and consensus of the management, political leadership and employees. Also, note that as is typical of Kerala thing, we're always skeptical of any new scheme, project or plan. We have seen how Express Highway was ditched!
Also, there will be outsiders who will be keen to jeopardize such makeover plan. So, the leader at the helm Mr Ganesh Kumar has 100% ownership of it!
Wishing him all Luck!
Curious Konnection Blog
Just imagine, if a person asks a query on the KSRTC app about the next bus or ask the different options to reach a particular destination, then either an AI interface will give the answer or if it can't be resolved by the AI, then a live person will be give a reply.
Just came across this link! ( What I had thought now, some big wigs in KSRTC thought way back in 2016).
Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus tracking a flop ( Surprised to know that they had a plan to install GPS in Express and Fast Passenger Buses).
Btw, I'm humbled to know that they have thought of this idea! So, no more boasting that it was my idea that they stole!. Btw, I think I had first thought of it around the time when Ola and Uber started here. Was it in 2016 or before that. Anyways, one thing is clear as I always say - when you get an idea, a copy of it also given to many people around!
Lesson here is simple. Don't sit on any idea that flashes on your mind. Either share it someone who can execute it of you can do it yourself! My biggest problem is that I sit on the idea thinking I have time!
Coming back to the 2016 initiative of KSRTC to implement GPS or bus tracking system, it's clear that the initiative was a half-baked one. So, let's forget about why it failed, instead focus on how we can work the plan in 2024. Moreover, now smartphones are cheaper, data too price is much less and the technology to build a tracking app is readily available.
Leader Who Can Think Ahead
We need a person like at the helm who has the hunger to change things! Can this MD make the clarion Call! 📢
Side Note:
https://www.keralartc.com/ (When I try to visit this site, it's showing it's unsafe) Is there any technical elemet that's missing here. Just asking
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