Thiruvananthapuram, April 28 (IANS) Commuters in Kerala will by next month be able to track any of the 30,000 private buses that ply on the state roads either via the Internet or through mobile phones. Chennai-based Dhanus Technologies Ltd, an alternative telecommunications service provider, earlier this month inked a memorandum of understanding with the 20,000-strong Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federation and has finalised a deal with the 10,000-strong All Kerala Bus Operators Organisation.

People will now be able to know where one’s bus has reached and how long it will take to reach their stop just through a simple SMS.

The system includes a Fleetrac gadget fitted in each vehicle, a GSM modem attached with a remote machine, a stand-alone management station and a web-based solution.

FleeTrac is an integrated vehicle tracking system, which will help display passenger information on multiple media, including SMS, using a centralised network operating centre. Web users will also be able to see Google maps to track the movement of buses.

The passenger information systems would benefit bus operators also in times of breakdowns, accidents and help in diverging routes. The information, exhibited on displays within the buses and at bus stands, will be available in Malayalam, English and Hindi.

V. Narayanaswamy, managing director of Dhanush, Monday said they were pleased to partner with All Kerala Bus Operators Organisation to bring the advantage of telematic services to the bus passengers.

“Kerala has been the first to realise the potential and implement a technology like FleeTrac that will benefit the state thoroughly. This will have a major impact not only for regular passengers but also for Kerala tourism,” Narayanaswamy said.

Dhanush has operations in California and Florida and has a rating of SE 1A from Dun and Bradstreet, indicating high level of technical competence and financial strength.