Pakistan is set to introduce its first fully digital transport system in Rawalpindi. According to sources cited by a national daily, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) will be in charge of developing the software required for this pioneer public transport digital project.
The project includes the establishment of a control room and the installation of an e-tag system at the Pirwadhai Bus Terminal. This system will collect comprehensive data on vehicles at the terminal, such as registration details, ownership information, vehicle color, fitness certificates, driver’s licenses, route numbers, and tracking information.
The control room will ensure safety measures by monitoring vehicles entering and leaving the terminals and allowing only those vehicles to exit that meet safety and service criteria. This digital model is inspired by global models in Paris, London, and the US and is the first in Pakistan to transform the transportation sector.
The digital network will also allow citizens to submit online complaints about public and government transport services, boosting transparency and improvement. This step will encourage the masses to use shared transportation, hence reducing individual vehicle usage and fostering a healthy environment as well.
Rashid Ali, Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), praised the digital transport project in Rawalpindi as a significant advancement.
