Govt decides to introduce GPS in all public, commercial transport

The government has decided in principle to introduce GPS systems in all public and commercial transport to control vehicle speed and ensure road discipline.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam shared the information with journalists at the Secretariat on Sunday, March 29.

The minister said introducing GPS technology will make it easier to monitor vehicle location, speed and compliance with traffic laws. It will also help control various irregularities such as picking up passengers mid-journey and charging excessive fares.

He said GPS devices will initially be installed on all buses and commercial vehicles across the country. If a vehicle exceeds the prescribed speed limit, it will be automatically recorded, and the vehicle owner will be fined.

The minister further said that if unfit vehicles ply the roads, they can be easily identified through GPS data, allowing immediate action. BRTA and police will work jointly to implement this initiative.

Regarding Eid travel, he said this year's journey was relatively comfortable, with nearly 1.5 crore people returning home safely. However, he noted a lack of awareness among passengers as a factor in accidents.

He also said new directives are being issued to enhance safety during ferry crossings. It will be mandatory to disembark all passengers before vehicles board, and barriers will be installed if necessary.

The minister said digital ticketing through CCTV and speed cameras has already begun. The introduction of GPS will make this system more effective and help restore discipline on the roads.