Design of a GPS-Based Bus Tracking System for Enugu State Transport Company (ENTRACO)

Public transportation management in Nigerian states has struggled with inefficiencies in fleet monitoring, passenger uncertainty regarding bus locations, and the absence of real-time operational data that could inform scheduling and route management decisions. The Enugu State Transport Company (ENTRACO), which operates bus services across major routes in Enugu metropolis, currently lacks a digital fleet tracking infrastructure, limiting its ability to ensure service reliability and passenger safety. This study designed a GPS-based bus tracking system for ENTRACO, enabling real-time monitoring of bus locations by operations control staff and, through a passenger-facing interface, by commuters awaiting buses at designated stops. The system architecture integrated GPS tracker hardware installed on ENTRACO buses with a cloud-hosted data platform that received and processed location updates at 30-second intervals. A web-based administrative dashboard allowed ENTRACO operations staff to monitor the live positions of all active vehicles, review route adherence, and receive alerts for route deviations or prolonged inactivity. A complementary mobile-friendly passenger portal displayed estimated bus arrival times at selected stops. System simulation using GPS data recorded along ENTRACO routes in Enugu confirmed accurate location tracking and reliable alert generation. Stakeholder feedback from transport operations personnel indicated strong interest in the system's potential to reduce fuel misuse and improve route scheduling. The study concluded that GPS-based tracking is a cost-effective and operationally beneficial investment for ENTRACO and recommended pilot deployment on high-frequency urban routes.

Keywords: GPS tracking, bus fleet, ENTRACO, Enugu, public transportation