Fearing action, 75 school buses may stay off city roads

More than 11,000 city students travelling in school buses may soon be forced to find a different mode of transport. Prajakta Chavan Rane reports.

More than 11,000 city students travelling in school buses may soon be forced to find a different mode of transport.

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Fearing action from the state transport department for not following norms, about 50 bus operators plying nearly 75 buses are likely to go off roads in the next few days.

Last week, the transport department conducted checks on 320 school buses and found 92 to be defective, whereas 25 were seized for major lapses, such as grill-less windows, non-payment of taxes, or absence of fitness permits.

"Small bus operators are hesitant to operate because of the ongoing checks, said Anil Garg, president, School Bus Owners' Association. He added, "If a bus is detained, the operator has to pay Rs 10,000 penalty and the vehicle has to stay off the road for at least 10 days. The operators are trying to avoid this."