Mysuru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) plans to introduce a Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring System (VTMS) in Mysuru city buses by the end of 2026, allowing passengers to track buses in real time and check their expected arrival times.
The proposed system follows the rollout of VTMS in Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses. A 20-member KSRTC expert team is currently conducting a survey in Mysuru to prepare for the implementation.
Real-time bus tracking for Mysuru commuters
Once implemented, the VTMS will allow passengers to view the live location of buses through a dedicated mobile application. Commuters will also be able to check estimated arrival timings, helping them plan their journeys and reduce waiting time at bus stops.
The system is expected to cover all 380 buses operated by the Mysuru city division. The division operates nearly 800 services every day, making the introduction of real-time tracking significant for a large number of daily passengers.
KSRTC Mysuru city divisional controller Jagadeesh Kumar said the survey team is mapping the routes operated by the division and collecting information required for implementing the system.
Survey covers bus routes and stops
The 20-member team is examining the existing network before the technology is deployed across the fleet.
As part of the survey, officials are mapping bus routes and collecting information on authorised and unauthorised bus stops. They are also identifying locations where additional bus stops may be required based on passenger demand.
The information gathered during the survey will help KSRTC determine the operational requirements for the VTMS and ensure that the tracking system covers the city’s bus network.
The corporation has indicated that the system is planned to be operational in Mysuru city buses by the end of the year.
Mysuru division operates nearly 800 services daily
Mysuru city division has a fleet of 380 buses and is the largest KSRTC division in terms of city-bus fleet after BMTC, according to the report.
The services extend beyond Mysuru city to surrounding areas, including T. Narasipura, Nanjangud, Yelwal, Bilikere, Siddaramanahundi, Srirangapatna, H.D. Kote and Jayapura.
With nearly 800 services operating each day, real-time information could help passengers understand bus movements across the network and plan connections more efficiently.
The system could also provide KSRTC with operational data that can be used to monitor services and identify delays or other issues affecting bus operations.
System expected to improve safety and monitoring
The proposed VTMS is not limited to passenger information. According to KSRTC, the system will also help the corporation monitor driver behaviour.
Tracking vehicle movement and driving patterns could assist the corporation in identifying unsafe driving practices and taking corrective measures. The system is therefore expected to support both passenger convenience and operational monitoring.
The report also states that better monitoring could help KSRTC reduce accidents and operational expenditure by improving the management of its fleet.
BMTC already has VTMS
The Mysuru rollout follows the implementation of a similar system in Bengaluru’s BMTC fleet.
VTMS has reportedly been installed in 8,305 BMTC buses at a cost of Rs 30 crore, with funding provided jointly by the Union and State governments.
In addition to vehicle tracking, the BMTC buses covered by the system have been equipped with complaint-tracking devices and panic buttons aimed at improving passenger safety.
The emergency response system allows passengers to alert transport authorities during distress situations. Such alerts can be passed to control rooms and, where required, law-enforcement agencies and the police.
Technology-driven public transport in Mysuru
The proposed tracking system comes as Mysuru’s population and transport requirements continue to expand.
For passengers, access to live bus information can be particularly useful during peak hours, when delays caused by traffic can make fixed timetables less predictable. Real-time information can help commuters decide when to reach a bus stop and whether an alternative service may be more convenient.
For KSRTC, the technology could provide a centralised view of the fleet and its movement across different routes.
The data collected through the system could eventually help authorities analyse service patterns, identify frequently delayed routes and make decisions regarding scheduling and route management.
Rollout planned by end of 2026
KSRTC’s survey is currently focused on understanding the existing network and the technical requirements for the proposed system.
The corporation plans to introduce VTMS in Mysuru city buses by the end of 2026. If implemented as planned, passengers will be able to access real-time information about the movement and expected arrival of buses through the dedicated application.
The system would represent another step towards technology-enabled public transport in Mysuru, combining passenger information services with fleet and driver monitoring.
Conclusion
KSRTC is preparing to introduce a Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring System across Mysuru city buses by the end of 2026. The system is expected to provide real-time bus locations and arrival information to passengers while helping KSRTC monitor driver behaviour and improve fleet operations.