Kochi, Apr 1: A Chennai based company has come forward with a proposal to introduce a Global Positioning System (GPS) for tracking the movement of over 20,000 private buses plying in Kerala.

Dhanus Technologies Ltd., one of fast growing alternative telecommunications service providers, has entered into an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federation (KSPBOF) to launch this first of a kind initiative of installing 'passenger information services' in all private buses across Kerala along with its consortium partners, the Chennai based Sobha Applied DSP Pvt Ltd. And the Kochi based Kiran Technologies.

As per the MoU, the company will provide a vehicle tracking service called, FleeTrac in over 20,000 private buses Call Centre vehicles in Kerala.

Through this initiative, transport owners in Kerala will provide passengers with instant information on location, arrival and departure timings via Internet and Short Message Service (SMS) in mobile phones.

The Executive Chairman of Dhanus Technologies Ltd., A. D. Sudhindra, said: "We are extremely excited to announce this partnership with the KSPBOF.

Private bus operators own close to 85 pre cent of the bus services in the state, and this initiative will ensure that both the regular passengers and the millions of tourists who visit the state every year have accurate bus schedule information literally on their finger tips. This will help them save enormous amount of time spent waiting for buses and provide for a smooth and carefree journey, helping them to relax and enjoy 'Gods own Country's scenic beauty."

"We have chosen Kiran Technologies and Sobha AppliedDSP among other vendors on account of their technical and domain expertise on vehicle tracking system. The passenger information systems that we would be installing on 20,000 plus buses and Call Centre Transport" added Sudhindra.

A. K. Abdulla, President of KSPBOF said: "This techonolgy would be a boon to both for the passengers and for the bus operators who will benefit from the real time tracking information system. In addition, this system will be extremely useful at times of unfortunate breakdowns, accidents and will also keep a check on bus speeds, thereby reducing road accidents and increasing the passenger safety. Dhanus would be offering a web interface in Malayalam, Hindi and Englsih language as well, enabling every resident of the state and tourists to access and benefit from this system".

The initiative will also provide a new avenue for the advertisers to reach their target customers through static and dynamic advertising content, including audio visual elements which can be displayed in the buses, added Abdulla. (ANI)