Bangalore : The state government plans to make public transport more secure for women with the help of technology. Equipping cabs and autorickshaws with GPS and KSRTC buses with surveillance cameras are some of the measures mooted, following the Delhi gangrape episode.

“Our effort to install GPS in the form of green autorickshaw concept earlier was stalled due to pressure from various quarters. In order to ensure safety of general public , women in particular, all existing and new autorickshaws will be asked to fit GPS,” deputy chief minister incharge of home and transport R Ashoka told TOI on Sunday.

The transport department plans a meeting of maxicabs, autorickshaw and private transport associations on December 27 or 28 to involve them in making public transport system a safe one. “The meeting is expected to spell out the need for installation of GPS in public transport system. If needed the government will provide financial assistance to autorickshaw drivers to install GPS as it costs more than Rs 3,000,” Ashoka said.

During the meeting, the unions will be told that the driver should display his identity through a badge or a card. Making enforcement strict, the police and transport department will crack down on vehicles , including maxicabs and buses, using tinted glasses and curtains. Among safety measures from the department, Ashoka said that the on-board cameras (surveillance cameras ) would be fitted in all the long route KSRTC buses.

This system is being currently experimented in the buses in Tumkur. The on-board camera has the power to record for eight hours. As safety measure , an emergency number 44554422 is given to all the persons reserving tickets in KSRTC premium buses. “Mobile number will be sought from the person who book tickets . After reservation is confirmed , mobile number of the conductor incharge of the bus will be messaged to the person’s number,” Ashoka said.

Interestingly, the KSRTC has relaxed norms and has allowed drivers and conductors to use their mobile phones only during emergencies after Delhi gangrape incident some days ago. Earlier, drivers were not allowed to use mobile phones.

Securing public transport

Govt plans to install GPS in autos and cabs, and surveillance cameras in KSRTC buses.

May offer financial aid to auto drivers to install GPS.

Drivers to display their identity using a badge or a card.

Crackdown on vehicles, including maxicabs and buses, using tinted glasses and curtains.

KSRTC drivers and conductors told to use mobile phones during emergencies. -Times of India