THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Kerala will introduce mandatory time gaps between buses operating on the same routes from November 1 as part of efforts to curb road racing and improve adherence to permitted schedules.
Under the new system, buses on the same route will be required to maintain a minimum gap of five minutes in urban areas and 10 minutes in rural areas, according to transport department officials.
The department will use new software called “Kerala Bus” to determine timings while issuing permits. Regional transport officers will be able to check existing services and schedules on a route before processing new permits, reducing the need for separate meetings to finalise timings.
Buses will also receive GPS-based instructions to help them adhere to their permitted schedules and maintain the prescribed intervals between services.
The measures are aimed at preventing buses operating on the same routes from competing for passengers by speeding or racing against each other.
A mobile application scheduled to be rolled out on November 1 will also provide passengers with information on expected bus arrival times at individual stops.
Passengers travelling on buses will receive information about upcoming stops through audio announcements and onboard displays. Digital display boards planned for bus stops will provide similar real-time information.
From November 1, Kerala will mandate minimum time gaps between buses on identical routes to prevent dangerous competition for passengers. Urban buses must maintain a five-minute interval, while rural services require 10 minutes. The “Kerala Bus” software, GPS guidance and a new mobile app will streamline permits, enforce schedules and give commuters real-time arrival and stop updates.