In response to rising operational costs, school bus owners in Maharashtra have demanded an 18% increase in school bus fees for the upcoming academic year. However, they have made this hike conditional, stating that if the government ensures a complete ban on unauthorized school transportation, they will reconsider the fee hike.

“If the government assures a complete ban on unauthorized school transportation, we will reconsider the fee hike,” said Anil Garg, president of the School Bus Owners Association.

The demand follows the Maharashtra government's recent decision to increase state-run bus fares by 14.95%, further escalating transportation costs.

Asked about the main reasons behind the demand, Garg said, "The prices of new buses and spare parts have surged, making fleet maintenance more expensive. Ongoing road construction and wear-and-tear have led to an increase of around 10 to 12% in maintenance costs. To maintain quality service and comply with safety regulations, wages for drivers, female attendants, and management staff have been raised. The installation of GPS systems, CCTV cameras, and other security equipment has become mandatory, adding to operational expenses. Additionally, the doubling of parking charges and higher RTO penalties have further strained school bus operators".

School bus operators argue that these rising expenses make a fee hike unavoidable to ensure safe and efficient student transportation. However, they insist that illegal school transport services must be eradicated to maintain fair competition and student safety.