New ST Bus App to Offer Live Location Tracking from August 15
In a major tech-enabled move aimed at improving public transport services, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has announced the launch of a dedicated ST Bus Live Location app from August 15, 2025. The app will allow passengers to track the real-time location of State Transport (ST) buses, helping them avoid long waits at bus stops.
This announcement follows a series of reforms in the ST service, including 50% ticket reservation for women and fare reductions, both of which have significantly increased ridership in recent months. However, despite the rise in passenger numbers, commuters have often expressed frustration over unpredictable bus arrivals, leading to long waits and wasted time.
To address this issue, the new mobile application will provide live tracking, bus routes, upcoming stops, and estimated arrival times. “The live location tracking feature will be a game changer for passengers who have to wait for hours. Now, you’ll know exactly where your bus is,” said Minister Sarnaik.
GPS Installation on War Footing
According to the transport department, GPS devices have already been installed in over 12,000 ST buses across the state. The project is being implemented at a rapid pace to ensure statewide coverage before the official launch. Passengers will be able to track the live location of their bus by entering the trip code printed on their ticket into the app.
A new, state-of-the-art control room has also been established at the ST Central Office in Mumbai Central, which will monitor bus movements and provide backend support for the app’s real-time data updates.
App Development and Background
Interestingly, the groundwork for this initiative began in 2019 during the COVID-19 period, when the then Transport Minister Diwakar Raote had assigned the app development and GPS installation to a private contractor. However, the work remained incomplete at the time. The current administration has since revived and completed the project.
Key Features of the ST App:
Real-time tracking of ST buses
Estimated arrival time at your stop
Route and stop details for multiple buses
GPS-based updates via trip code printed on tickets
Benefits to Passengers
The app is expected to significantly reduce waiting time, provide more accurate travel information, and enhance passenger convenience, especially for those traveling in rural and semi-urban areas where bus frequency may be lower.
With the launch set for August 15, this digital leap marks a major step toward modernizing Maharashtra’s public transport system and improving the daily commute for lakhs of passengers.