Kolkata: In a move to improve public transport transparency, safety, and commuter convenience, the state transport department met private bus operators on Thursday to discuss expanding the ‘Where-is-my-Bus' app across the city's fleet. The department aims to bring at least 50% of Kolkata's buses under the app's coverage within the next couple of months and ensure full inclusion ahead of Durga Puja.
Around 350 govt-run and private buses are integrated with the app, which allows commuters to track real-time locations, check distances, schedules, route details, and delays. The next phase targets 4,000 private buses, many of which will be fitted with chips and operated via mobile devices under the ‘Yatri Sathi' initiative.
Officials stressed the importance of digital discipline, aiming to reduce violations such as over-speeding and lane indiscipline. The app, linked with the Sanjog portal, will allow authorities to monitor each vehicle's movement, verify driver identity, and issue automatic challans for traffic violations. Each bus will be allotted under a specific driver's name, and tracking datawill be stored for accountability"We don't find any reason to oppose it," said Titu Saha, of City & Suburban Bus Service.