Gleeful kids hop aboard the new school buses, replete with new plush seats and spacious interiors; some children now want AC and meals!
Gleeful kids hop aboard the new school buses, replete with new plush seats and spacious interiors; some children now want AC and meals!
School children who used to travel aboard dangerous buses and endured creaky rides have a reason to rejoice! Days after MiD DAY reported about the condition of school buses in the city and the hazards they presented, new buses were introduced yesterday after undergoing a complete overhaul.
Students of Chatrabhuj Narsee Memorial School enjoy their new swanky rides, as the school started using the new buses replete with all the measures laid down by the RTO
MiD DAY spoke to a few students from Chatrabhuj Narsee Memorial School (CNMS) situated at Vile Parle (West), who were among the lucky few to travel by the new school buses and shared their experience about the comfortable ride.
End to woes
For many, the new school bus brought a huge sigh of relief as the poorly maintained buses with torn seats and sharp nails jutting out gave way to comfortable bucket seats and no jagged edges and possibilities of being poked.
Most of the students opined that the new buses provided them with a deep sense of security.
"The old bus was congested and we had to place our bags below the seats, which was quite tacky. Now, we have a carrier above our seats to place our bags safely. The bus is now more spacious," said Ankit Deepak Chorarra, a Std VI student.
Other students also echoed the same feelings about the new buses.
Simral Mathews (14) a Std IX student from Lokhandwala, said, "The bus we are travelling in now is so much better than the old ones. Previously, we had to sit on torn seats and were afraid of the broken rods and nails jutting out. But, the new buses make such a comfortable drive."
The new bus stands proud outside the school. The bus has new seats, window railings and two emergency exits
Not all smiles
However, while there were few who celebrated their new plush rides, there were a few other students who suggested some additional changes that could make the new rides even better.
Some students suggested that the installation of air conditioners in the buses would be highly appreciated and beneficial.
"It is very hot sometimes. If an air-conditioner was installed, it would have been better. If not that, then at least a few hanging fans should be installed.
Additionally, the distance between two seats should be increased, enabling easier movement," said Hardil Agarwal, a Std VIII student.
And the suggestions to improve the new buses just didn't stop at air conditioning. One of the students, Apurva Katare (14) from Std IX said, "In addition to air-conditioners or mini-fans, an arrangement for providing meals to students should be made."
Looking to the future
While many of the students were delighted about the makeover, they appeared worried about the future. "Right now, the buses are very nice. They are spacious and their seats are intact, but safety instructions and maintenance is yet to be taught," said a worried Std VI student Sakshi Himanshu Sheth.
Other students also worried about the future maintenance and training to the staff of the buses.
Apoorva Agarwal said, "The bus is not bad at all. But, what is important is to see if the new buses are properly maintained. When the old buses used to come to pick us up, the seats used to be wet because the windows were not shut. But, on the positive side, at least now, the windows shut."
Gaurav Shetty (15) a Std X student from Lokhandwala, said, "I believe the drivers, lady attendants should be provided with some training on the new buses and informed of all safety procedures."
Further elaborating on the importance of the training for the new buses, Kushagre Agarwal added, "We know that the new buses have two emergency exits for times of emergency. But, what use would they be if the child was not told how to use emergency exits during a time of emergency."
It's time for schools and colleges across the city to reopen for the new academic session. Keeping this in mind, MiD DAY will be bringing you a series of reports on significant issues related to the sphere of education. The stories will range from safety guidelines for school buses to the contentious issue of fee hikes.
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Also on the agenda will be the upcoming SSC results and the online admission procedures for educational institutions in the city. Remember, knowledge is power.
New Changes
>> Railings on the windows
>> New, plush seats
>> Above-head carriers for bags
>> First aid boxes
>> Fire extinguisher
>> Hooks for students to hang their bottles behind each seat
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