In the wake of rising fuel prices and inflation, school bus operators in Maharashtra have announced a 15% hike in school bus fees, adding further financial pressure on parents already grappling with increased household expenses.
The School Bus Owners Association (SBOA) stated that the revised fares will come into effect from June 2026. The decision was announced by association president Anil Garg, who said the hike has become unavoidable due to mounting operational costs.
The association had earlier written to the state government and the transport department seeking financial relief and proposing alternative measures to avoid fare revision. However, it claimed that repeated follow-ups did not receive any positive response, forcing the decision to increase charges.
SBOA warned that without government support, the school transport sector could face serious sustainability challenges. It also urged parents, schools, and stakeholders to cooperate and understand the financial constraints faced by operators.
According to the association, several cost factors have contributed to the hike, including rising fuel prices, increased driver and staff salaries, vehicle maintenance expenses, spare parts, insurance, legal compliance costs, toll charges, permit fees, e-challans, penalties, and overall inflation.
Operators also cited that similar fare increases have been observed across other transport sectors, including aviation, due to rising input costs.
Despite the increase, school bus operators reaffirmed their commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transport services to students while complying with all safety regulations.
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