Pune: The much-touted 'Vehicle Tracking System' for ST buses has remained ineffective, leaving passengers unable to track buses from home due to an outdated app.

Despite its implementation two years ago, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has failed to update the app, forcing passengers to visit the Vallabhnagar bus depot to access bus location information on large screens.

Promised as a tool to help passengers plan long-distance travel more effectively, the tracking system was meant to provide real-time bus locations via a mobile app. However, due to neglect and lack of updates, the system has not served its intended purpose.

Currently, 54 buses at the Vallabhnagar depot have the system installed. This depot operates 74 bus trips daily to various routes, including Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha, and Marathwada.

It was expected that this facility would help passengers know the location of ST buses, but they have not received this service. The system is currently operational within the Vallabhnagar bus station, and officials claim that passengers can see the location of buses on different routes on large screens.

Purpose of the Plan:

• Passengers can see the location of ST buses from home.

• Expected to save passengers' time.

• Passengers can instantly know the location and route of the bus on their mobile phones.

Information About Vallabhnagar Depot:

• Daily bus trips: 74

• Daily passenger count: 3,970

Dinesh Patil, Passenger says, "We have no information about the 'Vehicle Tracking System.' I have been traveling on various routes from the Vallabhnagar depot for many years, but we always have to wait for the bus. If there is a new app system, we are unaware of it."

Sanjay Walve, Depot Manager, Vallabhnagar ST Depot stated, "Vehicle Tracking System has been installed on 54 buses from the depot. Currently, passengers can see where their bus is on large screens at the ST depot. However, this service is not yet available on passengers' mobile phones."