GPS now mandatory for public transport to obtain registration, fitness certificates

A new regulation requiring Global Positioning System (GPS) devices in all public transport vehicles has come into effect from Saturday (August 1), as the government moves to strengthen road transport monitoring, discipline and passenger safety.

Under the new directive, public transport vehicles will no longer be eligible for registration, fitness certification or fitness renewal unless a functional GPS device is installed. Vehicle owners must also demonstrate, through a designated mobile application, that the GPS system is active and operational.

Authorities said the measure is aimed at improving vehicle tracking, route management, operational oversight and overall road transport governance.

According to the new policy, applications for vehicle registration or fitness certificates will not be accepted if the GPS device is either not installed or found inactive. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has urged transport owners and operators to complete the required installation without delay.

However, Jahangir Alam Khan, organising secretary of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners' Association, said full implementation from the first day would be challenging.

"Transport operators have already finalized agreements with GPS service providers. However, installing and activating the system in every public transport vehicle nationwide will take some additional time," he said.

Road safety experts have welcomed the initiative but stressed that technology alone will not resolve long-standing transport sector challenges.

Saidur Rahman, executive director of the Road Safety Foundation, said effective road safety depends not only on technological solutions but also on ensuring transparency, accountability and institutional reforms.

"Meaningful improvements will come only when technology is supported by good governance and strict enforcement," he said.

BRTA Chairman Habibur Rahman said GPS installation is now a mandatory requirement for all newly registered public transport vehicles as well as those seeking fitness certificate renewal.

He added that BRTA is introducing a technology-based verification system that will allow officials to instantly confirm whether a vehicle's GPS device is installed and functioning before processing registration or fitness applications.

The new requirement forms part of the government's broader effort to modernize transport management and enhance monitoring of public transport operations across the country.