SMS alerts for traffic management (India)
The Chennai City Traffic Police has launched a free SMS alert service to give real-time information to commuters about traffic jams, accidents, diversions, etc. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sanjay Arora inaugurated the service. Webaroo Technology India Private Ltd.’s ‘SMS Gupshup’ is providing the solution.
While the subsequent alerts will be free of cost, the first message meant to initiate subscription will be charged. Chennaiites can register themselves by sending an SMS to 09219592195 saying ‘JOIN CTP’. The subscriber will receive a confirmation and then start getting regular traffic updates. To unsubscribe, one will need to send an SMS saying ‘LEAVE CTP’ to the same number.
The alerts are also available at www.smsgupshup.com/groups/ctp. In less than a week after its launch, around 11,000 people have already signed up for the service. Once the number of subscriptions becomes substantial, a traffic alert community will be formed where people will be able to share the traffic status updates in their respective areas.
Mobile phone numbers registered under the Do Not Disturb (DND) service will not receive these alerts.
This system helps people plan their day, save time while travelling and ensure better traffic management.
Other major cities across the country such as Mumbai and Delhi already have such traffic alert system in place.
Source: http://www.futuregov.in/articles/2011/aug/19/chennai-introduces-SMS-alerts-traffic-management/
