ITS implementation in Bus Rapid Transit Systems in India

Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) has emerged as a key solution to urban transportation needs of today´s world. Explosive growth in wireless technologies and information technology has lead to the emergence of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology. ITS assisted BRTS is now being perceived globally as a emerging transportation solution and research area. India today is one of the fastest growing economies of the world. To sustain and promote its economic growth India has fast tracked its infrastructure development including implementation of Bus Rapid Transit System and Intelligent Transport System. This paper studies and analyzes the same with reference to Indore City Transport Services Ltd. (ICTSL) in particular and other Indian cities as well. BRTS and ITS implementation is on track. Indian citizens will soon enjoy ITS supported world class BRTS experience. Comparative study of ITS and BRTS implementation in major cities of the world is also carried out. State Road Transport Corporations also are investing in ITS technology by way of handheld ticketing machines, RFID tags and online ticket booking through internet and android based smart phone applications. Also the bus fleet is being fitted with GPS based AVL system for effective tracking and monitoring of the intercity and interstate bus movement and predict its arrival time at scheduled stoppages.