The government made the installation of GPS trackers mandatory in motor vehicles to enhance discipline and security in public transport. To implement this initiative, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has authorised 26 Vehicle Tracking Service (VTS) providers, which will provide GPS tracking services by connecting with BRTA’s central system to supply data regarding the location and movement of motor vehicles.

On August 10, BRTA updated its primary list, featuring various enterprises from the telecommunications and technology sectors. These include Grameenphone Limited, IFAD Information and Technology Limited, Obhai Solutions Limited, Bondstein Technologies Limited, NITS Service (Private) Limited, Nexdecade Technologies (Private) Limited, OnnoRokom Electronics Company Limited, Monico Technologies Limited, Tracking and Survey Solutions and M2M Communications Limited.

The initially approved list also features Thane Systems, Autonemo Limited, Easytrax World, Forbit Limited, Auto Generation Limited, Dupno International Limited, Azan Tech (Private) Limited, M TRACK, Sun City Biz, Xeekar Solutions, Bongo Technology Limited, Maktro Electronics, Tracking BD (GPS Tracker Bangladesh), MYGPS Private Ltd and Aysha Technologies. These companies have already established trial API (Application Programming Interface) connections with the BRTA’s central server.

Under the BRTA initiative, a coordinated system for monitoring vehicle location and movement will be established by integrating data received from GPS devices used in motor vehicles into a central server. This will provide helpful information, particularly for monitoring public transport movements, ensuring adherence to designated routes, and strengthening vehicle management and safety.

The BRTA stated that the published list is provisional. Final decisions on the definitive approval of the respective companies will be made following verification of their technical capabilities and the effectiveness of their trial API connections to the central server.

The Road Transport and Highways Division issued a circular on June 11, which mandated the installation and continuous GPS operation in all public transport vehicles across the country starting August 1, according to BRTA sources. This measure has been enacted in accordance with Section 25 of the Road Transport Act, 2018, and Rule 55 of the Road Transport Rules, 2022.

GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-dependent technology used to determine the exact location, travel route and speed of vehicles. By utilising this technology in public transport, it will be possible to remotely monitor a bus’s current location, the route it is taking, and whether it is adhering to prescribed speed limits.

Under the new rules, new registrations and fitness certificates will not be renewed unless proof of GPS device installation and monitoring systems is submitted. Technical specifications for the GPS devices have also been published on the BRTA website and made available at local offices.

Customers will incur a one-time fixed cost to install a GPS tracker in a public transport vehicle, according to data from Vehicle Tracking Service (VTS) providers. Depending on the device, this cost can range from BDT 3,000 to 5,000, requiring payment of a fixed monthly subscription fee for users to maintain the service.

Through the GPS system, the real-time location, travel route and speed of a bus can be continuously monitored. If any bus exceeds the designated speed limit, an overspeed alert will be triggered. Deviations from prescribed routes can be tracked through geo-fencing alerts. With live-tracking facilities, passengers waiting at a stop will also be able to check the position of the upcoming bus.

The BRTA and law enforcement agencies will likewise have the opportunity to utilise this data centrally. In the event of accidents, reckless driving or other offences, it will be possible to quickly identify the location and trajectory of the vehicle in question and take prompt action.

Industry insiders note that while transport owners will incur initial expenses for installing GPS trackers and maintaining the service, the long-term benefits will be substantial. Bringing bus speeds and locations under surveillance will make it easier to curb reckless competition, off-route operations and speeding. But merely installing the devices will not suffice; keeping BRTA’s central monitoring system operational and taking swift action against rule violations will be the primary conditions for the success of this initiative.

Regarding this, State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Habibur Rashid said, “Once GPS is introduced in public transport, the speed and movement of vehicles can be monitored around the clock. This will also reduce irregularities such as reckless driving and route violations, while enhancing passenger safety. We’ll take effective measures to restore discipline in public transport by utilising GPS data.”