Varanasi's public transport network is taking a significant leap into the digital age. The city's fleet of 50 electric buses, introduced to offer a clean and comfortable travel alternative, is now set to become smarter with the introduction of a live tracking application.
Digital Upgrade for Green Commute
The initiative, spearheaded by Varanasi City Transport Services Limited, aims to solve a common urban woe: the uncertainty of waiting for a bus. The newly developed eCityBusUP app is currently in a user testing phase where the public can provide suggestions. Once fully operational, this government-developed application will allow passengers to see the real-time location of e-buses on their smartphones.
"Through the app, passengers would be able to see live location of e-buses arriving at the nearest bus stop," explained Parshuram Pandey, the Managing Director of Varanasi City Transport Services Limited. This feature is expected to provide immense relief, especially to daily commuters, by allowing them to plan their trips more efficiently and minimize time spent waiting at bus stops.
Features Focused on Safety and Comfort
The e-bus service, which commenced operations to reduce air pollution, is designed with passenger convenience and security as top priorities. Each of the 28-seater buses is equipped with several passenger-friendly amenities:
- CCTV cameras and panic buttons have been installed specifically to ensure the safety of women passengers.
- All buses are air-conditioned, making journeys more comfortable in the city's climate.
- The fleet operates daily from 6 am to 10 pm, catering to office-goers, students, tourists, and other citizens.
Current Operations and Future Plans
Currently, the 50 environment-friendly e-buses are plying across 11 major routes within Varanasi. The integration of the tracking app marks a crucial step in the city's journey towards a digitized public transport system. The app's development aligns with broader smart city objectives, leveraging technology to enhance urban mobility.
"The eCityBusUP app is on testing stage and soon passengers may download it," confirmed Pandey. The public testing phase is a critical step to refine the app based on real-user feedback before a full-scale launch. This move is set to transform the commuting experience in one of India's oldest and most historic cities, making it more reliable, safe, and aligned with modern technological standards.
