How GPS systems and SOS buttons in buses work; the government has made them mandatory across all states..

The Government of India has made the installation of GPS and vehicle tracking systems mandatory for public and commercial buses across all states. As part of this initiative, an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) will be installed in State Transport Corporation buses in Assam to enhance passenger safety. Real-time monitoring will assist officials in tracking the movement of the bus fleet, identifying operational delays, and responding more effectively to road incidents.

Meanwhile, directives have been issued to install GPS and panic buttons in buses across states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu. GPS systems are being installed in Rajasthan Roadways buses to monitor live location and overspeeding. GPS and GPRS systems have been made mandatory in Haryana. In Tamil Nadu, GPS devices are being installed in all TNSTC buses as part of a modernization drive.

What is a GPS?
GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that tracks a vehicle's precise location, speed, and direction. It enables real-time tracking of buses. The Transport Department can monitor buses round-the-clock to track their route and current location. If a driver deviates from the designated route or exceeds speed limits, the system immediately issues an alert. Using GPS data, passengers can check via mobile apps when their bus is expected to arrive at a stop. GPS systems are now also being used in trains.

What is an SOS button?
An SOS button is an emergency safety button installed inside buses near passenger seats and the driver's seat. Passengers can press this button to trigger an emergency alert in situations such as accidents, harassment, medical emergencies, or suspicious incidents. Upon pressing the button, an alert is immediately sent to the police control room and the State Transport Department's main command center. Along with the alert, the bus's live location is transmitted to the police, enabling the immediate dispatch of the nearest PCR van to the scene. A combination of both GPS and an SOS button is essential; without GPS, simply pressing the SOS button would not reveal the location of the emergency. Pressing the SOS button triggers the GPS system to transmit the bus's precise geographical location to the police, enabling help to reach the stranded passengers.

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