RTO's new rules drive to improve school transport

Many schools and private transporters in city yet to implement key safety measures: Officials

- Kimaya Boralkar

In a bid to enhance the safety of school-going children, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has announced a new set of regulations for school buses and vans across Maharashtra. However, a ground check in Pune revealed that compliance remains uneven, with many schools and transporters yet to implement key safety measures.

The Maharashtra government issued a government resolution (GR) on June 6 outlining mandatory safety norms for school transport. These include compulsory background checks for drivers and attendants, twice-daily alcohol and drug testing, prohibition on unauthorised persons boarding school vehicles, and mandatory installation of CCTV cameras and GPS tracking systems.

In addition, only vehicles with valid fitness certificates and proper documentation will be allowed to operate. “Vehicles found without fitness clearance or carrying more children than permitted will face action,” a senior transport department official said.