State transport department makes VTS, panic buttons compulsory for buses and taxis

Mumbai’s transport department will crack the whip on new vehicles used in public transport, including taxis and buses, to ensure that they install Vehicle Tracking Systems (VTS) and panic buttons. 

With an aim to provide safety to passengers, the Central government has made it compulsory for all new vehicles plying as public transport to have these facilities.

Henceforth, new vehicles used in public transports (except auto rickshaws and a few other vehicles) won’t be registered if they fail to install VTS and panic buttons. The state government will give some more period for existing vehicles for fitment of these features.

Also Read: Rajdhani And Shatabdi Express To Get SOS Systems By March 2019

While panic buttons will allow passengers to seek immediate help from authorities, including police, VTS will allow authorities to locate the vehicle’s location using Global Positioning System (GPS).

According to Regional Transport Office (RTO) officers, at the time of registration, the new buses belonging to BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport ) and MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation), apart from all the types of new taxis including black and yellow taxis, tourist taxis and app-based taxis will have to install VTS and panic buttons.