22 April,2026 07:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational image. File pic
School bus operators across Maharashtra have raised concerns over recently announced regulations by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, particularly questioning the proposed cap and structure of school transport fees and the financial burden linked to compliance requirements.
Representatives of the school transport sector and affiliated educational institutions argue that several measures highlighted in the latest announcement are not new. According to operators, requirements such as installation of GPS-based tracking systems, vehicle location tracking devices, fire detection and crew background verification have already been mandatory since 2019.
They also point out that compliance norms including medical fitness checks for drivers, police clearance certificates, maintenance of student attendance records, and awareness training under child protection laws are already being followed across the state. Operators say reiterating these rules without acknowledging existing compliance creates confusion and adds to regulatory fatigue within the sector.
Industry representatives have expressed unease over what they describe as recurring regulatory interventions tied to administrative or political changes. They argue that frequent policy resets, without adequate stakeholder consultation, place operational strain on transport providers who are already working within tight margins.
According to them, the lack of continuity in policymaking often leads to duplication of compliance requirements rather than strengthening enforcement of existing norms.
A major concern flagged by operators is the cost disparity in procuring mandatory safety equipment. While safety systems such as fire detection units, speed governors, and vehicle tracking devices are widely supported, operators say pricing inconsistencies are difficult to justify.
They claim that equipment meeting prescribed standards is available in the open market at significantly lower prices - typically between Rs 80,000 and Rs 90,000. However, when sourced through manufacturers or authorized vendors, the same systems can cost upwards of Rs 1,80,000.
This gap, according to operators, points to a lack of oversight in pricing mechanisms. They argue that while the government is attempting to regulate transport fees, there is no parallel framework to monitor or standardize the cost of mandatory safety installations, increasing financial pressure on bus owners.
Stakeholders have urged the state government to revisit the proposed fee cap structure through wider consultation with transport operators and school management bodies. They have also called for introducing price regulation or standardization for safety equipment to ensure fairness in implementation.
Additionally, operators have emphasized the need to avoid duplication of existing rules and instead focus on strengthening enforcement mechanisms already in place.
Despite the concerns, representatives of the school transport community have reiterated their commitment to maintaining high safety standards for students. They maintain that the sector plays a critical role in ensuring reliable daily commutes and that safety compliance remains a priority.
However, they caution that policy decisions must reflect on-ground realities and ensure financial sustainability for operators. Without a balanced approach, they warn, increased costs could ultimately impact service delivery.
The operators have expressed hope that the government will engage with stakeholders to arrive at a more practical and sustainable framework for the sector.
