Bahrain launches new mobile app for drivers
Manama, April 15, 2014
Bahrain's traffic department has taken a major step towards offering all of its services online.
It has teamed up with the e-Government Authority to launch a mobile application that could save motorists the hassle of suffering notorious queues, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
The plan to go digital is expected to be fully up and running within three years and will save the General Directorate of Traffic in Riffa hundreds of thousands of dinars a year.
Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa announced the progress of the project yesterday during a Press conference at the Officers Club in Gudaibiya.
"We are moving forward with the new e-services to make it easy for everyone," he said.
"We are not new to the idea of e-services, but adding e-services and developing them can benefit us reaching our main target, which is a secure society."
The Traffic Services application will cut down the number of steps motorists have to go to register vehicles, pay fines, change vehicle ownership, renew their licences and booking driving lessons.
"For traffic offences you used to have to stand in a long cue to pay fines," said e-Government Authority quality management chief Layla Janahi.
"Now you can either go to www.Bahrain.bh or download one of the mobile apps on your smartphone. So even while you are sitting at home, you can make your payments.
"We also have kiosk machines at several places around the country and if you still have difficulties with these channels you can do it through the national contact centre on 80008001.
"Everything can be done without a physical presence at the traffic directorate.
"You can also use the service to find driving instructors, their availability as well as contact phone numbers."
Inspectors have also had their systems digitised, allowing them to check vehicles faster.
"The way the inspectors used to inspect cars has changed - they used to have to come to your car and do it manually," said Ms Janahi.
"Now he has a portable device with all the information linked to it and he will scan your number plate. They will be able to go through an electronic checklist and tick what needs to be addressed."
Only vehicles less than four years will be able to renew their registration online and not have to visit the traffic department. - TradeArabia News Service
