New Draft Directive to Make Public Transport Safe and Technology-Friendly
Kathmandu: The Department of Transport Management has prepared and made public for suggestions a draft of the New Directive, 2082, with the objective of making public vehicles technology-friendly, safe, hygienic, dignified, and passenger-friendly.
According to the department’s Information Officer Ganeshman Singh Rai, the draft proposes mandatory installation of CCTV and Global Positioning System (GPS) in public vehicles. He said GPS would allow real-time monitoring of a vehicle’s location, speed, and condition.
Rai said vehicles would be monitored directly from a control room, and a warning system would be used in cases of overspeeding. The department expects this system to help reduce accidents.
CCTV and AI Cameras Mandatory in Public Vehicles
The department has proposed that public vehicles, except taxis, must install at least two CCTV cameras. According to the department, cameras based on artificial intelligence technology will help count and identify passengers and monitor the driver’s activities.
The department claims that this arrangement will help control accidents, fraud, and theft.
Online Tickets and Digital Payment System
The draft proposes making an online ticketing system mandatory for medium- and long-distance vehicles. It mentions a provision to maintain passenger lists and photo-based details through a mobile app or website.
The draft also proposes QR code and digital payment arrangements for fare payment. It also proposes making free Wi-Fi and headsets mandatory in large passenger vehicles.
The department has stated that an online time card system will be implemented. This is expected to help control the tendency to drive at high speed.
Digital Fine for Traffic Rule Violations
Under the proposed arrangement, a digital fine system, or traffic e-challan, will be implemented for those who violate traffic rules.
The draft proposes that drivers and conductors must wear the prescribed uniform to make human resources in the transport sector professional, responsible, and disciplined. It also includes a provision requiring their health check-up every month.
Two Drivers Mandatory for Long-Distance Routes
The draft proposes making two drivers mandatory for long-distance vehicles travelling more than 250 kilometers. It also includes a provision completely prohibiting smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use inside vehicles.
Passengers will not be allowed to throw improper waste inside vehicles and must respect reserved seats. The department said special emphasis has been placed on the mandatory provision of reserved seats and respectful behavior toward women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
Challenges in GPS Implementation
Although the department started work to install GPS in public vehicles five years ago, it has not yet been implemented effectively. The Department of Transport Management began GPS installation in Magh 2078 by providing free service to 100 vehicles. However, even after the service was offered free of cost, only 60 public vehicles installed GPS.
According to the department, the campaign could not gain momentum because transport entrepreneurs themselves were reluctant. It has been stated that a legal provision is necessary to make GPS installation mandatory.
According to the department, preparations are being made to regulate public vehicle operation through minimum standards to make it organized and safe. The department claims that once the GPS system is implemented, public vehicles across the country can be managed and regulated from a control room.
The department said a large share of vehicle accidents occurs due to high speed and that technology-based monitoring will help reduce accidents.
