RAWALPINDI: Pakistan is set to introduce its first fully digital transport system in Rawalpindi, marking a significant milestone in the country’s public transportation sector. The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) will oversee the development of the software required for this groundbreaking project, according to sources cited by a national daily.
The initiative includes the establishment of a control room and the installation of an e-tag system at the Pirwadhai Bus Terminal. This advanced system will collect comprehensive data on vehicles at the terminal, including registration details, ownership information, vehicle color, fitness certificates, driver’s licenses, route numbers, and tracking information.
The control room will play a crucial role in monitoring vehicles entering and exiting the terminal, ensuring that only those meeting safety and service standards are allowed to depart. Modeled after similar systems in cities like Paris, London, and across the United States, this digital transport initiative is the first of its kind in Pakistan. If successful, it could be expanded to other cities across Punjab.
The new system will also enable citizens to submit complaints online regarding public and government transport services, enhancing accountability and service quality. Rashid Ali, Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), has hailed the digital transport project as a significant advancement for Rawalpindi.
He also noted that the Punjab Government is providing IT support for the project, with senior officials from the IT and Transport departments scheduled to visit Rawalpindi on September 2 to finalize the project details.
