AIS-140 Explained: What Bus Operators Need to Know About Certified GPS Trackers
What AIS-140 is, what a certified vehicle location tracking device and emergency buttons do, which vehicles it concerns, and how to choose a supplier.
Short answer: AIS-140 is an Indian Automotive Industry Standard for intelligent transportation systems in public service vehicles. It covers the vehicle location tracking device (VLTD) and the emergency buttons that passengers can press. A bus that falls under the requirement needs a tracker certified to this standard. An ordinary GPS tracker does not qualify.
What does AIS-140 cover?
- The tracking device: a VLTD that reports the vehicle’s location and status.
- Emergency buttons: buttons inside the vehicle that raise an alert when pressed.
- Reporting: data sent to the operator’s system and, where the state requires it, to the government backend.
See the glossary entries for AIS-140 and VLTD.
Which vehicles does it concern?
Public service vehicles, typically buses and taxis that carry passengers, as notified by the transport authorities. Implementation is handled state by state, and the categories, dates and procedures differ. Confirm the current position for your state and vehicle category with your Regional Transport Office before you buy.
Why were emergency buttons included?
For passenger safety. A passenger who feels unsafe can press a button, and the alert is sent with the vehicle’s location so that help can be directed to it. For the system to be useful, the buttons must be within reach, clearly marked and tested regularly.
How is a certified tracker different from an ordinary one?
- It has been tested and certified against the standard.
- It supports emergency buttons.
- It can report to the state backend where that is required.
- It is accepted where the rules call for an AIS-140 device. An uncertified tracker is not, however well it tracks.
What should you ask a supplier?
- Is this exact device model AIS-140 certified? Ask to see the certificate.
- Do you handle activation and registration for my state?
- How many emergency buttons are supplied, and where will they be fitted?
- What does the subscription include, and for how long?
- Who installs it, and who attends if it goes offline?
- Can I also see my vehicles on your fleet dashboard?
Is compliance the only benefit?
No. The same device gives the operator live tracking, route playback, geofence and overspeed alerts, and trip reports. Chosen well, a compliance purchase becomes the base of a fleet management system. See how operators use GPS tracking.
What goes wrong most often?
- Buying on price alone and finding the device is not accepted in your state.
- Lapsed subscriptions, which leave the device fitted but not reporting.
- Emergency buttons that are never tested.
- No dashboard access, so the operator gains nothing beyond the certificate.
AirFi supplies an AIS-140 certified GPS tracker with emergency button support, installed and connected to the AirFi fleet dashboard. Contact us for state-specific activation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is AIS-140?
AIS-140 is an Indian Automotive Industry Standard for intelligent transportation systems in public service vehicles. It covers vehicle location tracking devices and emergency buttons.
Is an AIS-140 GPS tracker mandatory for buses?
It applies to public service vehicles as notified by the transport authorities, and implementation varies by state and vehicle category. Check the current rule with your Regional Transport Office.
What is the difference between an AIS-140 tracker and a normal GPS tracker?
An AIS-140 tracker is certified against the standard, supports emergency buttons and can report to the state backend where required. A normal tracker may track well but is not accepted where AIS-140 is required.
What is a VLTD?
VLTD stands for vehicle location tracking device, the certified GPS unit defined by AIS-140 for public service vehicles.
Does AirFi supply AIS-140 certified trackers?
Yes. AirFi supplies, installs and supports an AIS-140 certified tracker with emergency button support, connected to the AirFi fleet dashboard.
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