The 16,000-odd Educational Institution Buses (EIB) in the State will be able to ferry students from October 1 only if they are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS).
The measure is part of Phase I of the ambitious project of the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) to monitor 60-lakh transport vehicles, including the 15,000-odd private buses and inter-State vehicles carrying inflammable petroleum products plying in the State.
“The State government has notified making GPS mandatory for all transport vehicles from April 1 this year. Only buses equipped with GPS will be allowed entry onto the road and ferry students from October 1,” Transport Commissioner, K. Padmakumar said.
This is the first exhaustive project in the country to ensure the safety and security of the students. Besides, the MVD, the National Emergency Response Team (NERS), the registered owner of the vehicle, authorities of educational institutions, and parents could know the location, speed and time of the vehicles. If the EIB tilts more than 40 degrees, alert will be received in the control room through tilt sensors.
Four panic buttons will be provided in the bus for the students to sent alert during emergencies, transportation problems, speeding, rash and dangerous driving, harassment and misbehaviour. Immediately, the control room will be alerted and SMSes will reach the owner of vehicle, school authorities, MVD, police and the enforcement team. The panic button cannot be tampered with and any attempt to do so will alert the control room.
Steps had been taken to prevent isuse and legal steps would be taken against those misusing panic button, Mr. Padmakumar said.