Public transport in India is a vital mode of transportation for millions of people across the country. However, the sector has been plagued by several challenges, including overcrowding, safety concerns, and a lack of connectivity. The need for an improved commuting experience has led to the adoption of connected technology in public transport. By leveraging mobile apps, real-time tracking, and integrated payment systems, connected technology is transforming the way public transport is perceived and used in India.

One of the key drivers of this transformation is the concept of Mobility as a Service (MaaS). MaaS refers to the integration of various modes of transport, such as buses, trains, and taxis, into a single platform. With MaaS, passengers can plan, book, and pay for their entire journey using a single app, without the need for multiple tickets or apps. This not only saves time and reduces hassle for passengers but also helps to reduce traffic congestion on the roads.

The use of mobile apps in public transport has become increasingly popular in India. Several transport providers have launched their apps that allow passengers to book tickets, track their vehicles in real-time, and make payments seamlessly. Apps like Rapido, Quick ride, and Redbus have made traveling more convenient and accessible for commuters. Moreover, these apps have also enabled the transport providers to gather data on passenger behavior and preferences, which can be used to improve their services further.

Several transport providers have launched their apps that allow passengers to book tickets, track their vehicles in real-time, and make payments seamlessly.

Real-time tracking of buses and trains has also been a game-changer in public transport in India. Passengers can now track the location and estimated arrival time of their transport in real-time, thanks to GPS-enabled technology. This has reduced waiting times for commuters, who can now plan their journey accordingly. Additionally, real-time tracking has also helped to improve the safety and security of passengers, as transport providers can monitor the movement of their vehicles and respond to any incidents promptly.

Integrated payment systems have also transformed the way passengers pay for their public transport in India. Earlier, commuters had to carry cash or purchase tickets from ticket counters. However, with the advent of digital payment systems, passengers can pay for their journey seamlessly using their mobile phones. Transport providers are increasingly adopting cashless payment options like mobile wallets and UPI payments to provide a hassle-free payment experience to their passengers.

"Transport providers and the government in India are actively investing in the adoption of connected technology and MaaS to improve the commuting experience for millions of passengers across the country."

While connected technology has brought several benefits to public transport in India, there are also challenges and limitations to its implementation. One of the key challenges is data privacy and cybersecurity. With the gathering of personal data, there is a need for adequate measures to protect this data from unauthorized access and misuse. Additionally, cybersecurity threats could potentially disrupt transport services, causing inconvenience to passengers.

Another challenge to the adoption of connected technology in public transport is the need for reliable internet connectivity. While mobile internet penetration has increased significantly in India, there are still areas with poor connectivity. This could potentially impact the reliability of real-time tracking and payment systems.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of connected technology in public transport far outweigh the limitations. Transport providers and the government in India are actively investing in the adoption of connected technology and MaaS to improve the commuting experience for millions of passengers across the country.

One of the success stories of connected technology in public transport in India is the implementation of the Common Mobility Card (CMC) in Delhi. The CMC is a smart card that can be used across multiple modes of transport, including buses, metro, and taxis. The card enables passengers to pay for their entire journey using a single card, without the need for multiple tickets or cash. The CMC has been a huge success in Delhi, with more than 25 lakh cards issued to date.

The future prospects for connected technology in public transport in India are promising. Emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles and electric vehicles could potentially revolutionize the way people commute in the country.