PRTC rolls out buses with camera, GPS

Jalandhar, October 3
If you feel insecure travelling in a bus, especially due to a few unfortunate cases such as the Moga molestation, you have an option of boarding the new Shan-e-Pepsu bus.
A part of the new PRTC fleet being run on the “kilometre scheme”, these heated ventilated & air conditioned (HVAC) buses are equipped with digital camera in front and Global Positioning System (GPS) device near the driver’s seat, activities and location details of which are monitored by the department staff from Patiala. The camera has been positioned in such a way that it takes a complete view of the bus.
Managing Director, PRTC, Manjeet Singh Narang said, “We have just rolled out about 13 such buses on almost all routes, including Amritsar-Patiala and Delhi-Patiala. More such buses are being added so that there are a few for almost all bus stands for important destinations such as Bathinda, Jammu and even Haridwar. A private company has been roped in for the service. It has purchased the buses, has spent on hi-tech fittings, fuel and pays wages to driver. From our side, we have just hired conductors and deputed our staff to monitor the operations.”
“Anti-social elements, pickpockets and mischief-mongers can now be easily spotted and will be under the radar. The police, too, can be alerted for timely action. Besides, we have the provision of storing the recording for one and a half months,” he said.
Jasleen, a medical student from Amritsar who was going back to Patiala in the bus, said, “It is a good option for girls like me who have to regularly travel in a bus out of compulsion. Recent incidents of molestation had made me quite nervous. I got to know about this bus today itself. My parents too would prefer that I commute via this bus.”