The Automotive Industry Standard-140 (AIS-140) mandate came into being when the transport authorities decided to incorporate Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) into the transportation ecosystem of India. The move was carried out by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The idea behind the standard was to create a secure and somewhat automated functioning of public transport in India, from its management to its operations, and so forth.
So, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) decided to pen down the AIS guidelines keeping ITS in mind, giving rise to AIS-140 as one of the mandates. There are other reasons as well why the Indian government decided to shake up the public transport of India and its functioning. Apart from the obvious, we tell you 5 main reasons why the Indian government is spearheading the implementation of the AIS-140 standard.
- Integrating the vehicle tracking technology
AIS-140 dictates that each public transport vehicle must have a vehicle tracking system installed within. This move has been decided in lieu of unsafe driving practices by public transport drivers, along with a steep rise in road accidents. With a vehicle tracking system installed, the authorities can now keep an eye on how the vehicles are being driven, and if safe driving practices are being followed. Along with that, they can also keep a check on unnecessary idling, or harsh braking. This, apart from increasing safety on the road, would also help in the longevity of the public transport.
- Management made easy
Since there are many public transport running on the roads of India each day, it is physically impossible for the transport authorities to keep an eye on each one of them at the same time. Thus, with this standard coming into the picture, the authorities can now manage a host of vehicles efficiently at the same time. Whether it is monitoring driver behaviour, or ensuring that the public transport is not being misused, or that the vehicles are taking the routes that have been stipulated for them to take, the transport authorities will now have an easy way to manage public transport, leading to a more efficient public transport network in India.
- Quick response to emergencies
According to the AIS-140 mandate, along with a vehicle tracking system, all public transportation must be equipped with a SOS panic button. This requirement came about due to a significant rise in road accidents, and other unfortunate emergencies experienced by passengers on board. With this emergency button, the authorities will be notified immediately in case if any passenger comes in contact with any distress. They can then dispatch aid as soon as possible, which will very beneficial in saving lives.
- Public transport maintenance
As mentioned previously, there are many public transport vehicles running on the roads of India. Statistically speaking, it is difficult to be updated with the maintenance schedule of each one of them, which leads to breaking down of vehicles on the road quite frequently. Thus, public transport vehicles complying with AIS-140 will make vehicle maintenance an easy procedure for the authorities. The vehicle tracking system embedded with the public transport will ensure that the transport authorities get regular and timely updates about the upcoming servicing activities for the vehicles. Also, since they would get to know detailed reports about the vehicle’s health, it will be easier for them to identify which public transport vehicle will be in need of service soon.
- Assured surveillance
When drivers are aware that their driving practices and behaviour on the road is being monitored, they might be compelled to take measures to skirt around this surveillance as much as they can. And the foremost way for them to do that is to tamper with the vehicle tracking device. However, since the AIS-140 certified devices leverage telematics, as soon as any tampering activities are undertaken on the device, instant alerts will be provided to the authorities of the same. Hence, with the help of these pop up alerts, the transport authorities will be able to discern that uninterrupted surveillance is being carried out.
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