It is learnt that the state government will implement the use of vehicle location tracking device (VLDT) and emergency button in all private and state-owned buses in order to ensure safety of passengers, including women. The system will also enable people to track their buses and get real-time information about the expected time of arrival of buses on a mobile app and will be launched within six months. The system will be installed in 12,000 private and government-run KTC buses and has qualified staff to attend to complaints and there will be 24x7 monitoring and tracking of vehicles. The control centre will be integrated with the state emergency response system to indicate about the unpleasant incidents to the police and the transport department. This is an extremely necessary step as there could be untoward incidents taking place in a moving bus, especially with regards to women who may have no means at their disposal to prevent any unpleasant incident. However, it is understood that as per rule, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, two-wheelers will not be equipped with the system. Ideally, it would be desirable to extend the need to equip all public service vehicles with the system. Ladies travelling alone in auto-rickshaws, private taxis and motor-cycle taxis, which is unique to Goa, could be equally at risk.
