New Digital System Puts Bus Safety in Passenger Hands
Bus passengers in Bangladesh can now check driver details with a simple scan. A new digital system, called Online Bus Terminal (OBT), is making bus travel safer. It uses QR codes inside buses. Passengers can scan this code to see the driver’s license and accident history. They can also check information about the bus.
This new system also allows passengers to give feedback. They can rate the driver’s performance and the quality of the service. They can also leave comments. Police officers can use the same QR code. They can quickly get important details about the bus and driver. This includes photos, license numbers, and past traffic violations.
The Cox’s Bazar District Police started this smart project. Jasim Uddin, Additional Superintendent of Police for Rangamati District, leads the work. Cox’s Bazar was chosen as the first place for OBT. This area is a very busy travel hub with over 100 transport companies.
The OBT system officially started on September 27, 2024. Today, 102 transport companies have joined. About 2,500 drivers and buses are now part of the digital network. The goal is to watch bus movements in real-time using technology. It also wants passengers to help make roads safer. This should make traffic better and reduce accidents.
Before a bus leaves the station, its details are entered into OBT. This includes driver details, routes, and fares. A virtual call center then calls the bus supervisor shortly after departure. They check if all details are correct. Drivers also receive advice on safe speeds and safety rules. This helps drivers feel more responsible.
Jasim Uddin said this monitoring helps lower accident rates. Buses that regularly use OBT have fewer crashes. Professor Md. Hadiuzzaman, a transport expert, praised the system. He said technology is a good way to improve road safety. He believes centralizing driver and vehicle data helps quick rescue efforts if accidents happen.
The OBT system is not yet a national program. It is still a project of the Cox’s Bazar District Police. It needs final approval from the Police Headquarters and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Officials gave a presentation about the system to these authorities in July.
