GPS mandatory on public transport from today; no registration or fitness without it

In the directive of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), it has been said that during new registration or fitness renewal, in addition to submitting proof of GPS installation, it will also be verified through the mobile app whether the device is active.

According to those concerned, this initiative has been taken with the aim of monitoring the location of public transport, improving route management, and establishing discipline on the roads.

In this regard, BRTA has urged transport owners and concerned parties to take preparations to install GPS devices quickly and keep them operational.

Jahangir Alam Khan, organizing secretary of Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, said agreements have already been signed with various organizations regarding GPS installation. However, it will not be possible to fully implement this system in all public transport in the country from the very first day. It will take some time to implement it step by step.

Saidur Rahman, executive director of Road Safety Foundation, said using technology alone will not solve all road safety problems. Alongside this, transparency, accountability, and necessary reforms must be ensured in the relevant organizations. Only when technology and good governance are combined will the desired benefits be achieved.

BRTA Chairman Habibur Rahman said that installing GPS has been made mandatory for every public transport that comes for new registration. The same rule will also apply in the case of fitness certificate renewal. He further said that BRTA is developing its own technology-based monitoring system to verify whether GPS devices are installed and active in any vehicle.