RASTA: Making way for digitised traffic solutions in Lahore
The app facilitates users through its traffic advisory and route planning feature with the help of live traffic alerts supported by Google Maps.
By Abdullah Zafar
As the country enters a new era of advancements in the field of information technology, government organisations like the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and other private organisations, have stepped in to offer digitised solutions aimed at addressing localised issues for a local audience.
Soon after the digital revolution took the country by storm, private software houses started emerging on the country’s IT landscape while developing apps and games, portraying the country with an image not many across the globe had imagined before.
Whether it were games like Extreme Air Combat and sporting apps like Cricingif, or government-built applications like that by Pakistan Railways, or even public service apps like that by NADRA, the developments have played an important role. As a result, not only has the country swished into the race for best developers around the world, but has also triggered changes in the stereotypical approaches of the international community in regards to perceptions about Pakistan, by projecting its rich culture that is enunciated in its apps and games like Run Sheeda Run.
While our very own developers continue to make the country proud globally, many public as well as private software companies working for a digitised Pakistan have come up with apps like Pakistan e-Services that offer online services for vehicle verification, utility bills, online FIR and many more.
One such company playing its part for a technologically advanced country is United Team Network Technologies, which in collaboration with the City Traffic Police of Lahore (CTPL) has executed an innovative project – ‘Road and Street Traffic Awareness’ (RASTA), to facilitate a population of more than 11 million.
Taking the traffic awareness program to Google Play Store, the Punjab Information Technology Board joined hands with the CTPL to launch the RASTA app that for now is only available for android users.
The bilingual app offers its features in both English and Urdu. So far the app allows the user to apply for an e-license, pay traffic challans, make emergency phone calls to rescue services, verify driving licenses and even report complaints and incidents. It also facilitates users through its traffic advisory and route planning feature with the help of live traffic alerts supported by Google Maps.
The main menu of the RASTA app. Photo: Screengrab
With the help of the app, the City Traffic Police can inform the people of traffic plans in case of a pre-planned event or program. And it’s not just that. The app also informs you of alternative routes to avoid any road blocks or traffic problems.
The traffic advisory feature. Photo: Screengrab
The app also facilitates its users through its route planning feature with the help of live traffic alerts supported by Google Maps. Photo: Screengrab
The app takes a broader perspective of traffic solutions by not limiting them to the flow of traffic on roads only. The RASTA app facilitates its users with information and locations of nearest banks authorised to collect traffic fines. The app also provides information about driving test centres, driving schools and license centres.
The app also provides information about driving test centres, driving schools, license centres and licenses. Photo: Screengrab
A “road safety unit” on CTPL’s end will also send a traffic awareness SMS every once in a while to license holders.
And it keeps getting better. App users can also give their feedback using the complaint feature about traffic wardens, traffic issues or licensing problems, and they can also upload pictures and videos along with the feedback.
The ‘important places near you’ feature is also available. Photo: Screengrab
It has been announced by the City Traffic Police Lahore that while citizens will be able to use one version of the app, another version made specifically for wardens will also be available soon, the launching date of which is yet to be announced.
App users can also give their feedback using the complaint feature about traffic wardens, traffic issues or licensing problems, and they can also upload pictures and videos along with the feedback. Photo: Screengrab
