By somya Panwar
Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has launched the iOS version of Apli PMPML, the live tracking app on Republic Day.
Deepa Mudhol Munde, the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), PMPML inaugurated the iOS version of the app.
Last year in August, the android version of the app offering real time bus tracking, route planning and other services was launched, and is now available to over 10 lakh users. The primary feature of the app provides the bus routes from the passenger’s current location to the desired destination. It also allows the user to track the buses in real time with live location service. The additional features of the app include online ticket booking service, UPI transaction system and the option of lodging complaints online.
It was informed by a technical officer that the two versions of the app Apli PMPML are very similar. Another IT official, Samrat Thorave mentioned that the app generates around Rs19 lakh of revenue on daily basis and soon is expected to breach the mark of Rs 25 lakh. The app’s performance so far has been smooth, although feedback from commuters is taken into accounts. The app sometimes fails to update the location when the bus moves through a blank spot, which has been the feedback from the majority of commuters through live tracking, however they are working on resolving the technical glitch, he said.
Thorave explained that the iOS version took this long to launch because the fee required to work on the Apple version was higher compared to that for Android, hence the PMPML didn’t release the iOS version alongside the Android version. The delay was partly due to the time it took for finalizing the deal with Apple and signing the agreement.
Further, he added that such advanced apps require multiple testing and go through necessary stages before launching it for the public use. Some other initiatives have been also taken by PMPML to make the commute convenient for the travellers.
A live bus tracking system has been set up at the command control centre in Swargate, as per official information. Now, the commuters can get real-time updates on bus location, delays and arrival by giving a call at the centre.