In 2017, City Traffic Police, Lahore, in collaboration with Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), launched a smartphone application named “Rasta” to resolve any traffic-related issues faced by the public. The app not only provides traffic advisories but also offers other features that are available on both Android and iOS.
This blog will give you a complete overview of the application and salient features of Rasta. Moreover, you will also be able to understand how to plan your travel route with the help of this app and how you can check if there are any traffic jams, roadblocks or protests in the city.
More About Rasta Application
Over the past couple of decades, technology has provided a plethora of smart solutions to problems people face in their daily lives. Different departments of the Government of Pakistan are also using technology to make people’s lives easier and one such example is Rasta App. The application, which was first launched in 2017 in Lahore, has integrated Google Maps through which location and traffic is updated on all the routes in the city in real-time.
Getting stuck in traffic can be frustrating, especially if you’re traveling home from work or vice versa. You wonder if you could have avoided the trouble, had you known about the roadblock earlier. Fortunately, digitization is the future and public offices in Pakistan are working towards providing smart solutions to traffic-related problems; the Rasta App is a prime example in this regard. It offers a wide range of services such as providing real-time information related to traffic clots, protests, sit-ins or reporting any incident on the road. The app also keeps you well informed about roads in the city at all times to help you avoid any traffic jams.
Salient Features of Rasta App
Let us take a look at the features of Rasta App and the areas where it provides help and guidance to its users:
- Traffic Advisory
- Route planner
- Challan payment
- Emergency call
- Traffic feedback/complaint
- Reporting incidents
- News and events
- Offence list
- Vehicle verification
- License
We’ll now discuss some of the aforementioned features of the app in detail.
Traffic Advisory
This is one of the most important features of the app since everyone who is planning to go out will definitely need to check the traffic situation in the city before stepping out. This tab informs you about the traffic situation and congestion level on the important roads of the city, diversion points and if there is any event happening on the road. In addition to all this, you can view the traffic situation of that particular road on maps integrated with the application.
Route Planner
If you don’t know your way around the city, this will be a time-saver feature of Rasta App for you. Through route planner, you can conveniently find the best and shortest route from the starting point to your destination. You will also be able to find out the traffic situation on the road and alter your route accordingly. There is also a key that indicates the meaning of different colours on the map so that it’s easier for you to read it.
Reporting Incidents
If there is any incident on the road and authorities need to be notified immediately, this feature will come in handy. To report any accident or identify an incident, simply go to incidents tab and mark the location where the event has occurred or is currently happening such as accident, construction or a protest.
Traffic Feedback/Complaint
Complaint and feedback section of any department helps it identify any areas where improvement is required. Rasta App also has a complaint and feedback tab where you can register your suggestions and complaint by providing your details and type of complaint be it related to violations or traffic police staff. You can also attach a proof which can also be videos and audios.
News And Events
In this section, users can see any important announcements by the traffic police department. These announcements are mostly related to ongoing events such as Pakistan Super League (PSL), the most awaited cricket event of the year, because of which traffic may also be blocked on certain boulevards. Notices about such events are uploaded in this section.
Offence List
The primary job of the traffic police department is to regulate traffic and challan those who do not follow rules and abide by the law. It is important to know about these rules and regulations before you start driving but in Rasta App, there is a feature that tells you about different offences and the penalty that you will have to pay.
Emergency Call
Users can also make calls on 15 to in case there is an emergency on the road.
Other Important Features of Rasta App
Other than the aforementioned features, you can also verify the ownership of a vehicle which is an important step in buying a used car. You can also look for the nearest driving license centre and test centre using the app. In addition to that, you can also apply for a driving license appointment and track your license delivery.
Moreover, there is another feature for young and new drivers currently learning the skill of driving. It provides comprehensive information about different road signs and traffic laws that’s essential to be eligible for a driving license.
Please note that Rasta app is already available in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and Gujranwala and soon will be launched in Sialkot.
The next time you head out, make sure to check the Rasta app. Meanwhile, if you are interested in real estate trends and property in Pakistan, do visit Zameen Blog and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates.
