Noida transport dept cracks down on school buses, penalises 24

The transport department in Noida fined drivers and owners of 24 school buses over the last two days for violating road safety norms.

The transport department in Noida fined drivers and owners of 24 school buses over the last two days for violating road safety norms.

The move comes after the May 5 accident that resulted in the death of two people, including an HCL staffer. (HT File Photo)

The enforcement wing of the transport department issued nine challans against school buses on Tuesday. The challans were for overspeeding and jumping traffic signals.

“In the last two days, we checked 200 school buses. On Monday, we issued as many as 15 challans against school buses for traffic signal violations, an offence that is high in Noida. We have sent warnings to all schools to alert their bus drivers to wear uniforms and follow traffic rules. We have sent reminders to those schools whose buses and drivers have been fined,” said Rajesh Singh assistant regional transport officer (ARTO) Noida. The enforcement drive against school buses will continue, he added.

District magistrate, Gautam Budh Nagar, NP Singh had directed the transport department to take stringent action against school buses for rash driving after the May 5 accident that resulted in the death of two people, including HCL staffer Pragya Singh.

The accident took place near Sector 44 police post when a school bus suddenly applied brakes, causing the auto-rickshaw in which Singh was travelling to brake abruptly. A speeding private bus behind the autorickshaw could not stop in time and rammed the auto, killing the auto driver and Singh.

“Not only school buses but even those engaged by call centres and companies for ferrying employees are being checked for road permits and vehicle fitness. I have asked the transport department to write to all employers (companies and schools) to submit a compliance report,” NP Singh said.

The violations by city buses -- both private and UP roadways -- are a big worry for city residents who continue to raise violations committed by these buses, such as use of pressure horns and rash driving in residential areas.

“It is terrible as these buses hardly care about pedestrians or the peace and tranquillity of residential sectors. They keep honking all the time. I have written on the Facebook page of the Noida traffic police several times requesting action,” said Amit Shanker of Sector 33.