Atul Mathur, New Delhi
Hindustan Times (Delhi edition)
Carpools may not have succeeded in Delhi so far but their benefits can’t be disputed.
In an attempt to decongest city roads, the Delhi government plans to promote carpools in a big way. In a first of its kind attempt, the government wants to introduce smart card-based carpools in Delhi.
But before that, the government wants to know how receptive Delhiites are to the idea.
The transport department is posting a questionnaire on its website to find out if its concept would attract car owners.
“We are suggesting two variants — one is a hardware-based tracking system while the other is based on text messaging (SMS),” said Vishva Mohan, a joint commissioner in the transport department.
“We also want to gauge which of the two they would be comfortable with,” he added.
The questionnaire, said a senior transport department official, would be posted on the department’s website next week and be available for about three weeks. “We would want at least 500 people to respond,” he said.
“We have suggested a technology-based system which offers flexibility. A member can avail rides from any other member and return the ride to another member,” said Mohan.
In the first system, each member’s car would be fitted with a device comprising of a smart ID card reader, global positioning system (GPS) and general packet radio service (GPRS). Every member would be issued a smart card-based photo ID. A member availing a ride will flash his ID before the device at the beginning and the end of the journey. The details would be recorded in the central server via GPRS.
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