An SMS alert facility called PTP to provide updates on the traffic situation on arterial roads in the city was relaunched recently by the traffic police. There will be no charge for the SMS alerts.
The messages will help motorists plan their routes and thereby save time and reduce their fuel consumption. “SMS alerts on flow of vehicles, disruptions and route diversions due to accidents or road blocks on arterial roads will be sent to subscribers, primarily during rush hour,” DCP (Traffic) Vishwas Pandhare said.u00a0
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Technical issues sorted out
The system was first launched by the traffic police two years ago, but was discontinued because of some technical problems.
“The technical issues have been sorted out and after a gap of two years we are hoping to put the service in operation again with superior technology,” Pandhare said. “The information on the traffic situation for the SMS alerts will be passed on from our control room. Vital information given by the public to the traffic control will also be used.”
The GupShup group has designed the SMS alert service for the traffic police. A similar service has already been started in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Chandigarh.
“Initially, up to four text messages will be sent to the subscribers in Pune daily,” GupShup vice-president (marketing) Ravi Sundararajan said. “A traffic alert community using SMSes, in which people can share traffic status in their respective areas, could be formed after more subscriptions are received.” u00a0
Activating the service
Those desirous of subscribing to the service should register by sending the text message JOIN PTP to 09219592195. The SMS sent for registration will be charged, but the alerts will be provided free of cost. Mobile phone users who have activated the ‘Do Not Disturb’ option will also receive the alerts. The service can be deactivated by sending the text message LEAVE PTP to the same number.
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