App lets commuters book KTC bus tickets, track arrivals in real time

Panaji: Long waits at bus stops, uncertainty over timings, and a lack of real-time updates are set to change with the launch of ‘Goa on the Go’, a new mobile application.Commuters will not only be able to purchase digital tickets at the click of a button but also track the exact location of their bus, its distance from the nearest stop, and its expected arrival and departure times.“This is about making commuting seamless and less stressful,” said transport director Pravimal Abhishek. “We are gathering as much user feedback as possible to detect operational issues. Once these issues are resolved, the app will go fully live,” he told TOI.With live tracking, passengers can better plan their travel, minimise waiting times, and avoid missing buses. The integration of ticket booking also means fewer cash transactions and greater convenience for those used to digital payments.One of the hurdles, however, lies in synchronising GPS tracking across the Kadamba fleet. The Smart City electric buses are fitted with updated GPS systems, but the older diesel buses still run on outdated devices.“We are planning to launch the app with buses that are already equipped with modern GPS. In a phased manner, the old GPS devices will be replaced, making live tracking more accurate,” Abhishek said.Plans are under way to roll out the app officially in Sep, with availability for both Android and iOS users.

“Once fully operational, we are hoping that the service is likely to encourage more commuters to use public transport and perhaps also reduce traffic congestion and dependence on private vehicles,” a KTC official said. Reliance on buses is still high among daily wage workers, students, and office-goers.“If successful, it could also boost confidence in public transport. The wait at bus stops may not entirely vanish, but Goa’s commuters may finally have convenience and a little more peace of mind in their daily journeys,” said Vanya Dsouza, a student and regular commuter.