Mumbai: The state govt has invited suggestions and objections to its draft rules for operating school buses in the state for submission by April 24. According to the draft rules issued by the state transport department, the Regional Transport Authority will regulate the fare and fix the base fare per kilometre per student for school bus, education institution bus and school vans. The fare can be collected only on a monthly basis; collection of advance lump sum fare shall not be allowed. Officials said they will consult parents while fixing the fare. The School Transport Committee will address and resolve grievances of parents relating to school transport services, safety and the fare, states the draft rules. Similarly, it will be mandatory to install a Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) with panic button and a Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS) conforming to the specifications of the Automotive Industry Standards on all school buses/vans. Every school bus or educational institution bus or school van shall be equipped with a Digital Safety Monitoring System for student safety. During the budget session of the state legislature, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar had directed the state transport department to provide separate permits to vehicles ferrying school students. Narwekar said school education and transport departments should jointly take responsibility and issue separate license/permit to vehicles transporting students by rickshaw or bus only after fulfilling the necessary conditions, including installation of CCTV and GPS. “Transport operator and school management shall ensure that every driver, conductor, lady attendant is appointed in writing after due background verification and medical fitness certification. For students of pre-primary and primary classes (up to standard five), additional supervision shall be provided on every trip by a lady attendant or any other designated staff,” states the draft rules.It also states that failure to comply with the rules will render the permit liable to suspension or cancellation.
