Delhi's New Electric Buses to Feature APC Cameras – A Bold Step to Curb Ticket Fraud and Modernize Public Transport

In a major initiative to enhance transparency and efficiency in public transport, Delhi’s government has begun equipping its new electric buses with APC (Automatic Passenger Counting) cameras. This cutting-edge technology is being introduced as part of broader reforms aimed at curbing ticket fraud and improving service monitoring in the capital’s public bus system.

What Are APC Cameras and How Do They Work?

APC (Automatic Passenger Counting) cameras are specialized sensors installed at the doors of buses to digitally record the number of passengers boarding and alighting. These smart cameras continuously transmit passenger data to a central server, enabling real-time monitoring.

Key Features:

• Installed at entry and exit points

• Record exact boarding and deboarding counts

• Transmit data to DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and DMTS (Delhi Metro Transport Service) servers

• Temporarily store data in onboard devices for system backup

How APC Cameras Will Help Stop Ticket Fraud

Delhi’s public buses have faced chronic financial losses, often attributed to ticketing irregularities. With APC cameras:

• The number of passengers counted by cameras will be matched against tickets issued

• Discrepancies will flag fraudulent activity by conductors or ticketing agents

• Enables data-driven audits and operational accuracy

This move ensures accountability and strengthens the financial sustainability of public transport.

400 New Electric Buses Rolled Out

As part of this initiative, the Delhi government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has flagged off 400 new electric buses, with a total of 1,500 buses planned under the FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme funded by the Government of India.

These buses are equipped with:

• Zero-emission electric powertrains

• APC camera systems

• Foldable ramps for differently-abled passengers

• Enhanced safety and accessibility features

Centralized Data for Smarter Transit

All APC data will be:

• Synced in real-time with transit management systems

• Stored temporarily within the bus and on central servers

• Used for route optimization, passenger load analysis, and future planning

The combination of technology and transport aims to build a more transparent, secure, and accessible urban transit system for Delhi.

A Step Toward Greener, Smarter Cities

Delhi’s electric bus rollout, with integrated digital monitoring, sets a precedent for other cities in India. This reform not only tackles fraud but also boosts public confidence, improves sustainability, and ensures inclusivity in transport design.