KMRL rolls out dashboard for feeder buses

Kochi: Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) on Tuesday launched a data analytics dashboard and operations display system aimed at improving the monitoring and management of feeder bus services that connect commuters to Metro stations. KMRL director (systems) Sanjay Kumar inaugurated the facility at the Muttam feeder bus terminal. The platform integrates information from fare collection devices installed across the feeder bus fleet with real-time data from bus telematics systems. By combining these inputs, officials can now access a consolidated view of the feeder network that supports the Metro system. The dashboard provides insights into several operational indicators. Officials can now monitor passenger numbers, revenue generation and preferred modes of payment through a single interface. The system also offers gender-disaggregated data, enabling planners to better understand the travel patterns of male and female commuters. In addition to passenger data, the platform enables live tracking of feeder buses through GPS-based monitoring. It also provides information on the battery status of electric buses, helping operators prevent mid-route power depletion. The system can further track delays and monitor service frequency to ensure buses adhere to their schedules. Speaking at the launch, Sanjay Kumar said the initiative would help improve decision-making in public transport operations. "This dashboard enables us to analyse passenger behaviour and service performance more accurately. By understanding usage patterns in real time, we can optimise route planning and ensure better utilisation of our feeder bus fleet," he said. Gokul TG, additional general manager (urban transport), said the initiative is expected to strengthen Kochi's last-mile connectivity. "Centralising operational data will help us adjust service frequency based on actual demand," he said.