Bangalore is going hi-tech with electronic billboards, SMSes and handheld devices to check traffic jams. Bangalore Traffic Police is calling this campaign the "B-TRAC 2010" and formally launched this new website BTIS - Bangalore Transport Information System last friday.
The site has live traffic information, driving directions, safety information and they will soon add "Carpool" feature to it.
Information gathered through this system will be made available to vehicle users via SMS, the web, electronic billboards and helplines to enable commuters to avoid congested locations. The information will help police tell commuters the estimated time required to reach a destination.
To display the live traffic information, looks like they are using OpenLayers. But looks like when you go to directions, they have implemented google maps APIs. They are using their own tiles and maps though. I wonder why they have implemented their own map tiles when google already has more detailed map of Bangalore.
The site looks neat and is using cutting edge technologies like Ajax. For driving directions users will be prompted as they type the address (similar to Google Suggest). You can enter To and From locations (soon they will introduce "VIA" piece of it where you can specify what route you want to take) and the site will give you exact directions with kilometers/time information as well as Autoricksaw fares. Alternatively you can also use your cellphone to get driving directions through SMS. For e.g you can send sms "BTIS ROUTE JAYA MGRD" to 54321 (for airtel customers. For others its 98450 27222) and you will be getting the directions through SMS on your cellphone.
They have provided dedicated SMS information on their website. The dedicated SMS number is 54321 for Airtel customers and 98450 27222 for non airtel customers.
On top on this website, a large number of policemen are being provided with Blackberry handsets. The device will help police book cases on the spot and serve notice through wireless pocket printers. It will also enable police to keep track of past violations. Repeated violations will mean cancellation of the driving license.
They have also launched another website for making an AutoRicksaw experience a breeze. All that one has to do is SMS (9844112233) or call a particular number to get an auto. One can book these autos through the net by logging on to EasyAuto website. The site has its blog as well but I think no body has started posting anything on it.
However, not all auto drivers/owners have taken up the scheme. Only a few thousand have agreed to be part of this service, which offers them a free cell phone and insurance cover. Police expect the majority of autos to participate in the scheme once they see the benefits being enjoyed by their peers.
Looks like Bangalore Traffic Police is on fire !!
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