Buses getting safety upgrade before schools reopen this yr

After growing incidents of child molestation by school bus attendants and accidents involving the buses, the School Bus Owners Association (SBOA) have finally began fitting their vehicles with security features.

After growing incidents of child molestation by school bus attendants and accidents involving the buses, the School Bus Owners Association (SBOA) have finally began fitting their vehicles with security features.

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By the time schools open next month, over 1500 school buses will be fitted with CCTV cameras, GPS system and other features designed to ensure safety of the children inside the school bus.

Some features like the CCTV cameras in the school bus will enable school officials to monitor live the goings on inside the bus. The GPRS will enable parents to track the exact location of the bus, its route and also help them receive a text message when the bus is minutes away from the child’s boarding point.

The additional security features will cost at least Rs 100 per child per month, thus driving up bus fees by at least 20%. While some schools are debating whether , institutions like Jamnabai Narsee School, Juhu, CNM School, Vile Parle and others have opted for the system.