Sherab Lhamo

In two months, city bus users in Thimphu will be able to track real-time locations of buses through the newly integrated Fleet Management System (FMS) in the Gakyid Ride app.

Currently, commuters cannot determine when buses will arrive at various stops.

The FMS, which was launched on February 6, 2024, is currently overseen by two city bus service supervisors, through the command centre at the city bus office.

Working in shifts from 7 am to 12.30 am, these supervisors monitor bus schedules, routes, and overall performance, ensuring timely departures and adherence to routes.

“FMS helps to improve security, efficiency and customer service, providing real-time location, monitor drivers’ behaviour, record data of each bus,” the ICT officer of city bus service, Cheda Gyeltshen, said.

The system records detailed data for each of the city’s 55 buses. It also features an alarm function that notifies the command centre of various issues, such as extended stops, route deviation, speeding, driving time, and potential safety concerns such as fatigue driving, drunk driving, or bus rollover ,among others. 

The alarm also provides the bus number plate, vehicle ID, the route of the bus, the alarm type, time, and the location.

Cheda Gyeltshen said that the FMS helps address complaints received through social media by verifying and responding to issues promptly. “If a bus halts for more than two to three minutes, the supervisor will contact the driver to investigate the delay.”

He said that with this system integrated with the Gakyid Ride app, it will help bus commuters save waiting time.

In addition, the city bus service will also install cameras in all buses. Currently, 28 buses, including the electric bus, are fitted with cameras.

City bus service is also working on developing a smart card system. Currently, discussions are ongoing with banks to develop a system that allows people to recharge their smart cards online through their banking applications.

The city bus service purchased the Gakyid Ride app for Nu 700,000 with funding support from the UNDP. The FMS is funded by the World Bank through Thimphu Thromde’s ‘Bhutan Green Transport’ project.