Harm Quotient > Trans-Tax : BARD – ChatGPT evaluation

 

Dear

Shri Gadkariji ,         [ Minister , Road Transport and Highways / nitin.gadkari@nic.in ]

 

Dr Jitendra Singhji    [ Minister for Science and Technology / mos-stes@gov.in ]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over the past 2 days , I pursued with BARD – ChatGPT my chat about this suggestion . This was in continuation of my following email to you :

Ø  Second Step to Integrated Transport ? ………….. 15 Jan 2024

From my following chat , you will observe that my suggestion is feasible .

Of course , it will be necessary to phase it out as follows :

Ø  Mandate all 2 – 3 – 4 wheeler manufacturers to pre-install Micro-controllers in their vehicles , starting 01 April 2026

Ø  Mandate all existing vehicles to “ Retrofit “ Micro-controllers into their vehicles by 01 April 2030

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh   /   www.HemenParekh.ai   /  18 Jan 2024

 

Replies by BARD ( in response to my question at the bottom ) :

( A ) 

You've raised an interesting proposition: using a NaVIC-GPS/What3Words/Microcontroller system to collect a 24/7 trans-tax from all 326 million vehicles in India. While technically feasible, implementing such a system would require careful consideration of several factors:

Potential benefits:

·         Revenue generation: 

A trans-tax could provide a significant source of income for infrastructure development, public services, and other government initiatives.

·         Traffic management: 

Real-time data on vehicle movement could be used to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion.

·         Environmental benefits: 

Encouraging carpooling and alternative transportation through pricing could lead to decreased emissions.

Challenges and considerations:

·         Privacy concerns: 

Continuous tracking of vehicles raises significant privacy concerns that need to be addressed through robust data protection measures.

·         Equity and affordability: 

A blanket trans-tax might disproportionately impact low-income individuals and rural areas. Differential pricing based on vehicle type, distance travelled, or income level could be considered.

·         Technological infrastructure: 

Equipping all vehicles with compatible microcontrollers and ensuring seamless data transmission across India's diverse geography would require significant investment.

·         Public acceptance: 

Gaining public trust and acceptance for such a system necessitates transparency, clear communication of benefits, and safeguards against misuse.

Alternatives to consider:

·         Congestion pricing: 

Implementing variable tolls based on real-time traffic conditions could achieve similar goals without continuous tracking.

·         Road user charging: 

Charging based on actual road usage through distance-based tolls or fuel levies could be a fairer alternative.

·         Public transportation investment: 

Expanding and improving public transportation options could incentivize people to reduce car usage.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to implement a 24/7 trans-tax system in India needs to be made through a democratic and transparent process, considering all potential benefits and drawbacks. While the technology may be available, ensuring ethical, equitable, and sustainable implementation is paramount.

Yes, fitting microcontrollers on existing vehicles to communicate with NaVIC GPS satellites is technically possible, but the ease and expense depend on several factors:

Factors affecting ease:

·         Vehicle type: 

Newer cars with modern wiring harnesses and readily accessible diagnostic ports might be easier to equip compared to older vehicles with complex electrical systems.

·         Technical expertise: 

Installation requires qualified technicians with knowledge of car electronics and the specific microcontroller system being used. DIY attempts are not recommended unless you have significant experience.

·         Availability of kits and instructions: 

Manufacturers or third-party companies might offer specialized kits and installation guides for specific car models, which can simplify the process.

Factors affecting cost:

·         Microcontroller cost: 

The price of the microcontroller itself can vary depending on its features and capabilities.

·         Installation labor: 

Labor costs will depend on the complexity of the installation, technician experience, and local rates.

·         Additional equipment: 

Some systems might require additional hardware like antennas or wiring adapters, adding to the overall cost.

Government mandates:

It's true that the Indian government has mandated pre-installation of microcontrollers with GPS capabilities in certain categories of new vehicles. This simplifies the process for new car owners but leaves existing vehicles needing retrofits.

Alternatives:

·         OBD-II adapters: 

Some systems utilize existing OBD-II ports in older vehicles for communication, potentially reducing installation complexity.

·         Aftermarket GPS devices: 

Portable GPS devices with NaVIC compatibility can offer a less permanent but potentially cheaper solution for existing vehicles.

Overall:

While technically possible, equipping existing vehicles with NaVIC-compatible microcontrollers can be challenging and expensive, depending on the specific factors mentioned above. I hope this detailed explanation clarifies the challenges and considerations involved in retrofitting older vehicles with NaVIC-compatible microcontrollers.

 ( B )

Your assumptions are very interesting and propose a comprehensive system for calculating and collecting trans-tax based on vehicle usage. Here's my analysis of each point and its potential:

A. Manufacturer-embedded data:

·         Feasible: 

Embedding vehicle and micro-controller serial numbers, manufacturing date, and energy source is technically achievable.

·         Potential benefits: 

Simplifies vehicle identification, age calculation for potential depreciation in Harm Quotient, and fuel-based emission estimations.

B. Dealer-embedded data:

·         Feasible: 

Ownership, purpose, land-space use, license plate, and registration number can be programmed into the microcontroller.

·         Privacy concerns: 

Linking bank account information directly to the microcontroller raises significant privacy concerns. Consider alternative methods like secure tokenization or user-initiated payment triggers.

C. NaVIC data every 10 minutes:

·         Technical challenges: 

Transmitting such detailed data every 10 minutes may strain NaVIC's bandwidth and battery life of microcontrollers. Consider optimizing data transmission frequency and content based on relevance to Harm Quotient calculation.

·         Accuracy: 

Parking location (garage vs. road) and city limits might require additional sensors or advanced data analysis for reliable detection.

Harm Quotient and Trans-Tax calculation:

·         Possible: 

With appropriate algorithms and weightages assigned to different data points, the micro-controller could potentially calculate a Harm Quotient and corresponding trans-tax.

·         Complexity: 

Determining appropriate weightages for various factors like vehicle type, usage, location, and time of day requires careful consideration and potential adjustments based on real-world data collection and analysis.

PolluterPays App:

·         Useful: 

An app providing trans-tax statistics and AI-driven suggestions for minimizing tax liability could incentivize responsible driving and pollution reduction.

·         Data security: 

Ensure secure communication between the app and the micro-controller to protect sensitive data like bank accounts and location information.

Overall:

Your proposal demonstrates a well-thought-out and potentially effective system for trans-tax collection based on vehicle usage. However, several technical and privacy challenges need to be addressed before implementation. Consider conducting pilot studies, involving stakeholders, and prioritizing data security to ensure a successful and ethical implementation.

Additional points to ponder:

·         Exemptions and incentives: 

Consider exemptions or reduced trans-tax rates for low-emission vehicles or those travelling for essential purposes.

·         Data anonymization and transparency: 

Ensure data anonymization for broader traffic analysis while providing transparent information to vehicle owners about how their data is used for Harm Quotient calculations.

·         Alternative payment methods: 

Explore alternative payment methods beyond direct bank account deductions to offer flexibility and cater to unbanked populations.

By addressing these considerations and continuously refining the system based on real-world data, your proposal has the potential to revolutionize trans-tax collection and promote sustainable transportation practices.

 

Replies by ChatGPT :

( A )

Good morning! Certainly, let's elaborate on the advantages of integrating What3Words technology into a GPS-based toll tax collection system, particularly in the context of India's NaVIC GPS system.

1.     Precise Location Identification:

What3Words provides a highly accurate and precise way to identify locations, down to a 3x3 meter square. This level of granularity ensures accurate toll calculations based on the exact distance travelled.

 

2.     User-Friendly Navigation:

Since many passenger cars globally have already incorporated What3Words for navigation, integrating it into a toll collection system would likely be seamless for users. The three-word addresses are easy to communicate and understand, contributing to a user-friendly experience.

 

3.     Comprehensive Geographic Coverage:

India's NaVIC GPS system, being regionally focused and highly accurate over Indian territory, complements What3Words by providing a reliable and comprehensive geographic coverage. This is essential for an effective toll collection system covering diverse terrains.

 

4.     Integration with Micro-Controllers:

Embedding micro-controllers in vehicles for communication with NaVIC GPS satellites is technically feasible. Such integration could enable continuous and accurate tracking of vehicle movements, forming the basis for toll calculations. For vehicles already on the road, retrofitting them with micro-controllers is possible, but it would require careful consideration of technical compatibility and cost-effectiveness.

 

5.     Potential for Trans-Tax Collection:

With a well-integrated system involving NaVIC GPS, What3Words, and vehicle micro-controllers, the infrastructure could evolve into collecting a trans-tax from each of India's vehicles on a 24x7 basis. The system could provide a seamless and continuous toll collection mechanism, enhancing revenue collection and traffic management.

 

6.     Pre-Installation in New Vehicles:

The government's initiative to have certain vehicles pre-installed with micro-controllers before leaving the factory is a proactive step. This approach streamlines the deployment process and ensures that new vehicles are equipped with the necessary technology from the outset.

 

7.     Challenges and Considerations:

While the idea is promising, challenges include the cost of retrofitting existing vehicles, ensuring cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data, and addressing privacy concerns. The government's involvement in setting standards and regulations is crucial for a successful and secure implementation.

In summary, the integration of What3Words, NaVIC GPS, and micro-controllers presents a promising avenue for toll tax collection, offering precision, user-friendliness, and comprehensive coverage. As technology advances and adoption increases, the vision of a nationwide trans-tax collection system becomes more feasible, though challenges and careful planning must be addressed along the way.

( B )

Hello! Your detailed plan for integrating a Micro-controller with NaVIC GPS, along with the proposed data parameters and the "PolluterPays" mobile app, is well-thought-out and appears to have the potential for a comprehensive and effective system. Here's an analysis of your assumptions:

A. Micro-controller Embedding by Manufacturers:

1.     Data Parameters:

The set of data parameters you've outlined, including unique serial numbers, manufacturing date, energy source, vehicle use, type, and passenger capacity, are reasonable and can indeed be stored in a micro-controller.

 

2.     Age Calculation:

With the manufacturing date, the software can easily calculate the age of the vehicle, which could be a factor in determining the harm quotient or tax.

B. Micro-controller Embedding by Vehicle Dealers:

1.     Additional Data Parameters:

The data parameters suggested by vehicle dealers, such as ownership, purpose, land-space use, license plate number, registration number, and the owner's bank account details, are also practical for implementation.

 

2.     Automated Trans-Tax Deduction:

Associating the micro-controller with the owner's bank account for automatic trans-tax deduction is feasible and aligns with the current FasTag method.

C. Data Relay from NaVIC to Micro-controller:

1.     Real-time Data Updates:

The proposed data relay from NaVIC every 10 minutes, indicating whether the vehicle is parked or moving, its location, and time of the day, provides real-time information crucial for computing the harm quotient and trans-tax.

 

2.     Location Specifics:

Knowing whether the vehicle is within city limits or on an inter-city road adds granularity to the data, allowing for more accurate assessments.

PolluterPays Mobile App:

1.     User-Friendly Interface:

The concept of the "PolluterPays" mobile app, providing statistics on trans-tax recovery and graphical representations, is user-friendly and aligns with the goal of transparency.

 

2.     AI Advisories:

Integrating AI into the app to provide advice on minimizing tax liability adds a proactive and informative dimension, potentially encouraging users to adopt eco-friendly practices.

In conclusion, your proposed system appears to be well-conceived, combining hardware (micro-controller), satellite technology (NaVIC), and user interaction (PolluterPays app) for an integrated approach to toll tax collection.

The emphasis on real-time data, automation, and user engagement is commendable.

However, it's essential to consider privacy and security measures to protect the sensitive data involved. Additionally, collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including government bodies and technology providers, would be crucial for successful implementation.

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

The above views expressed by ChatGPT /  BARD , resulted from my following prompt :

Hey Boss :

Thanks a lot for all the clarifications .If you don’t mind, I need one more

I want you to tell me whether my following assumptions are correct

#  A Micro-controller can store some data and send / receive , data / instructions from NaVIC GPS

    satellites

#  A Micro-controller can be embedded with a software which can process such data to calculate a vehicle’s

    Harm-Quotient / corresponding Trans-Tax and deduct Trans-tax from user’s Bank Account

 

Specifically ,

( A ) :

I want the Manufacturers to embed following data into the Micro-Controller about each vehicle before it leaves factory gate :

Ø  Unique Serial Numbers for both , the vehicle and its Micro-controller

Ø  Manufacturing Date ( to enable software to calculate “ Age “ of vehicle )

Ø  Energy source       >   Petrol / Diesel / Battery / Hybrid / Fuel cell

Ø  Use                      >   Passenger / Freight

Ø  Type                     >  Motor bike / 3 wheeler / car / Truck / Bus / Train / Metro / Boat / Plane / Drone

                                       / Tractor

Ø  Passenger capacity >  1 person / 2 / 3 – 4 / 5 – 50 / 50 +

( B ) :

And I want Vehicle Dealer to embed following data into Micro-controller while delivering to user :

Ø  Ownership             >   Private / Leased / Hire –Ride Share / Municipality / Government

Ø  Purpose                 >   To carry Humans / to carry Cargo / For Industry Use

Ø  Land-space Use      >   City Roads / City Metro / Highways / Train Tracks / Water-ways / Air-space /

                                         Farms

Ø  Licence Plate Number

Ø  Registration Number

Ø  Bank Account Number of vehicle owner from which Trans-Tax would get deducted automatically

( C ) :

And I expect NaVIC to relay to Micro-controller, following DATA about each vehicle, every 10 minutes :

Ø  Whether Parked or Moving

Ø  If parked where                     >  In Garage ( if not visible ) / On road ( visible ) / In Parking lot

Ø  If moving , Location               >  Within City limits / Outside city on an Inter-city road

Ø  Time of the day

I believe that what I have laid out above would enable ( with appropriate weightages for each data-type ), a Micro-controller to compute Harm Quotient / Trans-Tax  and deduct from Vehicle owner’s Bank Account ( similar to current method of RFID FasTag )

And of course , I envisage a Mobile App ( to be named “ PolluterPays “ ) which would be linked to the Micro-controller and will provide to the vehicle owner, all kinds of STATICS ( graphically too ) about :

Ø  How much Trans-tax got recovered ( Daily – Monthly – Yearly / MoM-YoY etc )

Some AI software in the App will even advise the owner , various changes which he could make to minimize his tax liability

Hey Boss , I await your opinion

 

CC :

Dr. Venu Kandadai

CEO , Manjeera Digital Systems / venu.kandadai@manjeerads.com / info@manjeerads.com

Ø  Shri Rohan Verma ( CEO- MapmyIndia / rohan@mapmyindia.com )

Ø  Shri Ajey Lele ( Senior Fellow-Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses / ajey.lele@gmail.com )

Ø  Shri Purwarji ( CMD- BSNL / cmdbsnl@bsnl.co.in )

Ø  Shri Parth Trivediji ( CEO – Skylo )

[ parth.trivedi@skylo.tech/parth@skylo.tech/Andrew@skylo.tech /tarun@skylo.tech /parth@gmail.com 

        parth@mit.eu / support@skylo.tech / info@skylo.tech   

dipp-startups@nic.in

Prof. Abhay Karandikar [ Secretary (DST)  /  dstsec@nic.in ]

Related Readings :

Monetizing Geospatial Data ………………………. 16 Feb 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Step to Integrated Transport ?

 

 

First step was RFID FasTags for automatic collection of toll tax on highways , with toll plazas normally located 60 km apart . You pay ( a fix amount for a specific stretch ) for the entry at each toll plaza

Now comes the second step :

Ø  GPS Based Toll Collection  .. ……………………….19 April 2023

 

Extract :

The news of GPS based toll collection has been doing rounds ever since the Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced about it a long time ago.

The government plans to remove all the toll plazas or toll booths and enable GPS based toll collection. 

FASTag has already been made mandatory for four-wheelers that leads to the automatic deduction of toll tax through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. It happens when one approaches the toll gate where the vehicle drivers need not stop for a few seconds so that the toll tax amount gets deducted automatically. All you need to do is to buy a FASTag from Paytm and link it to your Paytm wallet.

Now, the plan is to enable GPS monitoring of the vehicle movement for the purpose of toll collection.

How will GPS-Based Toll Collection Work?

To enable GPS based toll collection, it will be necessary for all vehicles to have a GPS (Global Positioning System).

As the government plans, it will be through the equipment of a micro-controller with third-generation (3G) and GPS connectivity.

The government can acquire the GPS coordinates of the moving vehicles and constantly track them. Hence, they will know the route of the traveling vehicles and what toll roads they take. They can check how many toll gates they pass through and estimate the total toll tax.

At present, one toll gate exists at the end of one stretch of a toll road, or one project. One project/stretch refers to that section of the toll road which is under a particular contractor for construction and maintenance. The distance between two toll gates is usually 60kms (may differ by a few kilometers). The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has fixed toll rates for different types of vehicles for 60 km. If the road stretch is less than 60 km, then toll tax is collected accordingly.

How will it be Different from FASTag?

FASTag undoubtedly is a fast-forward step in digital India. It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for an automatic deduction of toll tax. All you need to do is get this reloadable tag and affix it on the windshield of your vehicle. In addition to this, you need to link your FASTag with your bank account/prepaid wallet for automatic debit of the toll amount. The NHAI, in integration with the banks and online payment platforms, provides FASTags to its users through both, online and offline modes. All toll booths have FASTag scanners that can detect them and deduct the toll tax amount. So, when you travel through a toll road and approach a toll booth, you need not stop for a long duration.

However, GPS based toll collection will differ from FASTag because it will track you throughout.

It will be vigilant of vehicle movement and collect the toll tax through GPS imaging. Automatic deduction in FASTags happens only when you approach the toll plaza. It is speculated that the NHAI may use GPS-enabled FASTags for GPS-based toll-tax collection.

FASTag	GPS Based Toll Collection
Use of RFID Technology	Use of GPS system in vehicles
Automatic Deduction through FASTag scanner at toll booths	Deduction through tracking of GPS coordinates
Detected only when the vehicles approach a toll booth	Entire travel route to be tracked
Toll booths need to be stationed	This will lead to the removal of all physical toll booths and toll plazas
Mandatory and in practice since February 2021	To be implemented around 2022 as planned by the government

Wrapping it up:

GPS based toll collection will be a milestone in the use of technology, digitalization, and smooth traveling.

It will save time for the drivers and travellers as neither they will have to wait in long queues nor will they have to stop at every toll booth.

They can make payments at once through online platforms. However, privacy remains a concern if the government tracks the entire movement of vehicles.

As the GPS based toll collection is still in the development stage, we are yet to see its pros and cons. For now, FASTag is mandatory and facilitates electronic toll payment in the best possible way. This also helps in smooth, non-stop driving to save time without having to stop at pesky toll plazas.

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

From where to get a GPS-based Micro-controller to replace RFID FasTag ?

https://morth.nic.in/list-approved-vehicle-location-tracking-device-manufacturers

• ARAI Approved models - AIS 140 ()
• ICAT Approved models - AIS 140 ()

Please visit the following websites for more information

• ARAI URL – https://www.araiindia.com/pages/downloads
• ICAT URL - https://www.icat.in/information/certification

 

Background :

According to the response, Toll collection was :

Ø  Rs 5974.72      crore ……………………… in 2020-21,

Ø   Rs 11,303.24  crore …………………………in 2021-22,

Ø  Rs 18,843.36   crore ………………………….in 2022-23

Ø  Rs 17415.16    crore ……………………………in 2023-24 till November 23, 2023.
( source >  NHAI collected over Rs 53,000 cr since 2020-21 as toll fee via FASTag: Gadkari  )

My Take :

Dear Shri Nitin Gadkariji :

In 23-24 , RFID based toll collection might reach Rs 25,000 crore . On an average , it shows an annual  growth rate of 62 % over past 4 years , but for the current year , it has slowed down to 32 %

To this , add the estimate that this toll tax gets collected from , no more than 5 % of our 32.6 crore vehicles , which use our Highways . Remaining 95 % of vehicles , either ply on city streets or on highways not subject to any toll

Now imagine following scenario :

Ø  All 32.6 crore vehicles are made to pay tax ( what I have called, TRANS-TAX based on pollution generated by each type of vehicle )

Ø  TRANS-TAX is collected ( from each vehicle ) , no matter WHERE it is plying

Ø  It is collected 24x365 days ( every hour )

Ø  It is collected AUTOMATICALLY ( by deduction from a pre-paid / vehicle-linked account )

Ø  There is no HUMAN INTERVENTION in the collection process

Under such a scenario , following can be expected :

Ø  There will be dramatic shift to less polluting vehicles ( EVs / Hibrids / Hydrogen based ) – without need for incentivizing manufacturers or subsidizing vehicle owners

Ø  More people will start travelling by PUBLIC transport ( which cause less pollution )

Ø  More people will travel less ( more Work from Home )

Ø  There will be less traffic congestion ( less of PEAK traffic situations )

Ø  Annual tax collection could well rise by 100 times to Rs 25 Lakhxcrore in 2025-26

I urge you to consider implementation of suggestion made by me in my following email :

Transport : an Integrated Logistic Plan ?   ………………  20  Nov  2018  ]

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai  /  16 Jan 2024

PS :

My belief in Government implementing my above-mentioned suggestion, is reinforced by following opinions :

ChatGPT  :

Geo-fencing in the context of collecting highway tolls involves the use of GPS-based systems to track the movement of vehicles within specified geographic boundaries. This technology can be employed as an alternative to traditional RFID-based toll collection at toll plazas. In this system, micro-controllers are installed in vehicles, and their movements are tracked using GPS to determine the distance travelled on certain highways.

If all roads, highways, and lanes in India were to be geo-fenced, the use of technologies like What3Words.com could potentially offer convenience and facilitate faster deployment.

What3Words.com is a geocoding system that assigns a unique three-word address to every 3x3 meter square on the Earth's surface. This can be particularly useful in areas with informal addressing or where traditional address systems are lacking.

Here's how What3Words.com could be beneficial:

1.     Precise Location Identification:

What3Words provides a simple and precise way to identify locations. This can be crucial in geo-fencing scenarios, ensuring accurate tracking and toll calculation.

2.     Easy Communication of Locations:

The three-word addresses assigned by What3Words are easy to communicate and remember. This can simplify the communication of location information, making it user-friendly for both authorities and individuals.

3.     Rapid Deployment:

Since What3Words.com has already assigned unique three-word addresses globally, implementing geo-fencing with this technology may expedite the deployment process, as there's no need to create a new addressing system.

However, it's important to note that the success of such a system depends on various factors, including the acceptance and integration of technologies, regulatory considerations, privacy concerns, and public awareness. Additionally, the cost of implementing and maintaining such a widespread system should be carefully evaluated.

 

BARD :

GPS-based vs. RFID-based toll collection:

·         GPS-based:

o    Leverages microcontrollers in vehicles to track distance travelled through geo-fenced highways.

o    Eliminates physical toll plazas and RFID tags, offering a smoother and more efficient experience.

o    Potentially fairer toll pricing based on actual usage.

·         RFID-based:

o    Relies on RFID tags attached to vehicles for toll identification and deduction.

o    Requires slowing down at toll plazas for tag scanning, leading to congestion and delays.

o    Prone to tag malfunctioning and privacy concerns.

Why What3Words could be a game-changer:

·         Precise location identification:

What3Words assigns unique 3-word addresses to every 3x3 meter square on Earth, offering much more granular location data compared to traditional addresses. This is crucial for accurately defining and tracking geo-fences, especially in areas with complex road networks or unclear addresses.

·         Seamless integration with existing car technology:

Many car manufacturers worldwide already incorporate What3Words for navigation, making it a readily available resource for toll collection systems. This can significantly reduce the cost and complexity of implementation compared to deploying entirely new hardware or software.

·         Leveraging India's NaVIC system:

India's indigenously developed NaVIC satellite navigation system is known for its high accuracy and coverage within Indian territory. This makes it an ideal complement to What3Words for precise and reliable toll tracking within the country.

Imagine this scenario:

·         You're driving on a highway in India equipped with a What3Words-enabled GPS system.

·         As you enter a geo-fenced toll zone, your car automatically identifies your location using What3Words and NaVIC.

·         The toll amount is calculated based on the distance traveled within the zone, ensuring fairness and transparency.

·         The payment is seamlessly deducted from your linked account without any need to slow down or stop at toll plazas.

Benefits of this approach:

·         Reduced traffic congestion: 

No more waiting in lines at toll booths, leading to smoother traffic flow and improved travel times.

·         Enhanced efficiency: 

Automated toll collection saves time and resources for both drivers and toll authorities.

·         Fairer pricing: 

Tolls are based on actual usage, eliminating the need for flat fees or inaccurate estimations.

·         Privacy protection: 

What3Words focuses on location data rather than personal information, offering better privacy compared to traditional identification methods.

Limitations to consider:

·         Technology adoption: 

Not all vehicles may be equipped with What3Words and compatible GPS systems initially.

·         Data security: 

Ensuring secure data transmission and storage is crucial for preventing misuse and privacy breaches.

·         Public awareness: 

Educating drivers about the new system and its benefits is essential for smooth adoption.

Overall, integrating What3Words technology with GPS-based toll collection, particularly in India with the added advantage of NaVIC, holds immense potential for revolutionizing the way we pay for road usage.

By offering increased efficiency, fairness, and privacy, this approach can pave the way for a smoother and more sustainable transportation system.

 

 

Western Railway : Go from Good to Great

 

 

Context :

WR to install dual display screen to curb overcharging passengers    ….  HT  / 15 Jan 2024 

Extract :

In a bid to simplify and make the railway ticket booking procedure transparent, especially for the labourers and migrant workers, who end up paying more money at the ticket booking counters, the Western Railway (WR) is trying out a measure that could prevent passengers from being wrongly overcharged.

A dual display information screen is being tried and tested which will be installed outside the ticket booths. When a passenger books a train ticket for a long-distance journey from the ticket window counter at the station, the information about the journey and total fare is clearly displayed on the screen. This screen will be like a large 32-36-inch TV set installed vertically next to the ticket window connected to the computerised system of the ticket window. The screen will show the departing station and destination, total fare, and passenger names among other details in multilingual form.

“With this dual display screen, everything that the staff seated on the ticket booking window does in the system is visible to the passenger outside. We are working out the correct font size, pattern of information to be displayed and other parameters for this system which will be installed at ticket counters. We want to make it more interactive and animated so that it’s understandable to everyone. We will keep the total ticket amount in a large font for everyone to see clearly,” explained a WR official on condition of anonymity.

The WR authorities have already given the contract after the tendering process. Some portion of this screen will be used for information and advertisement purposes. According to sources in the railways, there have been allegations in the past where the personnel sitting at the ticket counter charges extra in the name of Superfast fare or Express fare and pockets the amount.

Explaining it further, a railway police official said that there have been instances where in the morning hours and when tatkal booking is on; passengers are in a hurry and after paying the fare amount, the change in return is paid less by the unscrupulous staff and pocket the balance. The passenger associations also support this proposed system which they feel will curb incidents of passengers especially those travelling in Sleeper and General Class getting fooled into paying higher fares.

The migrants and labourers are the ones who are usually gullible and end up paying unwanted charges or more than the fare. The railways should simplify the display board as much as possible for everyone to understand,” said Subhash Gupta, president, of Rail Yatri Parishad.

 

My  Take :

Dear Ashwini Vaishnawji ( Railway Minister ) :

Congratulations for this initiative which will bring transparency to the entire ticketing process at PHYSICAL ticketing booth

This kind of transparency is already existing for ONLINE ticket booking through IRCTC website

There is even a Mobile App for booking tickets  [ IRCTC Rail Connect ]

How about integrating these two systems so that ,  in addition to those large screens outside physical booths , same data also appears on the IRCTC app  ?

Then , the ticket buyer will have a permanent proof on his mobile – which , he can show while boarding the train or when asked by a roving Ticket Inspector

That is not all . By integrating the two systems, passenger would know his Bogey No / Seat No ( on the App ) , thereby minimizing confusion and quarrels between co-passengers . It can also alert the passenger about the Platform Number ( from train is to depart ) and possible departure time ( late departure )

And , should the ticket buyer have any complaints to lodge re any process or any person , he could use the same Mobile App for providing such feedback to the WR authority

Incidentally , how about this large screen also DYNAMICALLY showing, the number of SEATS / BIRTHS remaining AVAILABLE ( vacant ) , on that train ( separately , for 1^st class and 2^nd class ) ?

I presume , once WR starts this system , Central Railway will follow suit

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai / 15 Jan 2024