RTC should do more with Gamyam live bus tracking app

Image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: The Hindu

Bus users have pointed out that Telangana State Road Transport Corporation’s (TGSRTC) bus tracking app Gamyam has not been as effective as they had hoped, with concerns over live tracking, route information and service accuracy.

Sharing his experience, Prithvi Raj, a student and bus user, said that there were instances where he was not able to track the bus he intended to board in real time.

“The RTC should ensure that Gamyam does not limit itself to displaying the location of buses. The data should be used to monitor whether buses are following schedules, identify persistently delayed services and improve punctuality. Another issue is that some buses skip designated bus stops and operate as express services instead of regular services. Such behavior should be monitored through the app and action taken,” he said.

The concerns come even as the TGSRTC has sanctioned ₹19.21 crore for the vehicle and passenger tracking system, according to a response to a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by Kareem Ansari through YOURTI.in.

According to the tender letter, the negotiated rate for the vehicle and passenger tracking system is ₹375 per bus per month, exclusive of GST.

The rollout initially included 4,170 buses and was subsequently extended. By March, the company had introduced a total of 9,320 vehicles.

Traffic researchers familiar with the system said the TGSRTC needs to ensure that route information is updated quickly to improve the app’s efficiency. The company should inform dealers about the new routes on the day they go live and ensure they are reflected in the app, they added. Routes that are no longer in service should also be removed.

“The company should ensure that the buses are mapped according to the correct timetables before they leave the depot. Often some buses are shown on a particular route but ply on a different route,” a transport expert told The Hindu.

The expert also pointed out that route codes should be clear even if a service ends shortly before its usual destination or is extended by only one stop.

“For example, 195W ending in JNTU cannot be coded as 195W. It should be coded as 195J,” he said.

In addition to improving the accuracy of route information, users said the app could be made more useful by introducing features to help passengers plan trips involving transfers between buses.

“The app does not allow filtering by route direction while searching by route. Both directions are displayed simultaneously, which confuses passengers,” said Md. Shoaib, media professional.

Published – 30 Oct 2026 08:19 IST