The School Bus Owners’ Association has approached the Bombay High Court over alleged inaction against illegal school vans operating in Mumbai. The association claimed more than 5,000 vans lack mandatory permits, insurance and tax compliance. It has sought action against unauthorised operators, alleging enforcement agencies have failed to protect student safety.

Mumbai: The School Bus Owners' Association (SBOA) has approached the Bombay High Court against the alleged failure of the Maharashtra Transport Department to act against thousands of illegally operated school vans in the city, raising serious concerns over student safety.

5,000 illegal vans alleged

According to the association, more than 5,000 school vans are operating without mandatory permits, insurance and tax payments. It has alleged that many of these vehicles use white registration plates, which are meant for private vehicles and cannot legally be used for commercial passenger transport.

The SBOA has questioned why the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the traffic police have allegedly failed to take action against such vehicles despite repeated complaints. The association has also sought accountability from the Transport Department for allowing the continued operation of unauthorised school transport services.