Blog: #UrbanTransport #FasTag #Pollution

The Next Big Thing

Following is an extract of an article by Shri Nandan Nilekani , in Hindustan Times ( 14 Nov )

“ FasTags could be the next big thing “

In this article , Shri Nilekani has made following suggestions to “ solve the many of the vehicular problems we’re facing now “

==============================

FIRST

FasTags can implement congestion pricing . The pricing itself can be dynamic to affect demand

==============================

SECOND

The same FasTags can enable the government to have lower congestion pricing for those who are pooling to work

==============================

THIRD

These tags can regulate parking, while simultaneously creating a revenue opportunity for cities .

FasTags can ensure that a no-parking sign is not just a warning, but a serious penalty for those looking to park illegally

Individuals and businesses can ‘ switch on ‘ temporary parking spaces during peak hours

=================================

FOURTH

The FasTag readers can also be used to implement many of the policy recommendations of the NGT

PUC ( Pollution Under Control ),can be linked to the FasTag accounts and a tag without a valid PUC can be fined automatically when it crosses a reader

=================================

FIFTH

Government lacks granular traffic data needed to make better decisions

With a trusted implementation of FasTag readers, the government can get such anonymized data directly from the ground .

Basically an invisible toll booth that doesn’t collect a toll , but captures every time any car crosses it . This data can be immensely powerful when used correctly

In the past , I have sent to the Transport Minister / NITI Aayog / Municipal Corporations etc . similar suggestions , through E Mails ( listed below ).

Even if they did not find time to read my emails ( - forget about an acknowledgement ! ) , I do hope that they will , at least , listen to Shri Nilekani !