On Wednesday, the School Bus Owners’ Association (SBOA) stated that it could raise the fees of the bus by 30% in light of the strict SOPs proclaimed by the Maharashtra transport department on Tuesday, reported the Times of India.
From the SBOA, Anil Garg mentioned that each bus owner can now carry only 50% of the total capacity which makes it arduous financially to transport the children at the earlier price, therefore they are compelled to raise the fees by almost 30%. For this, they will soon take a representation to schools.
The operators further elaborated that a prominent SOP was agreeing with the authorities from the school for which earlier they had attained problems. He alleged that schools signing contracts will have to bear the accountability of children plying through the buses. Whilst some have agreed to sign the agreement, others aren’t keen to bear the accountability.
SBOA has petitioned a financial package from the government since unlike other means of transport, school buses were non-operational for more than a year, resulting in adversities to operators which resulted in many drivers and attendants to lost their jobs. Garg added that it's time that the government provides them with a financial package and forfeits road taxes for six months at least as it did for private tourist buses. In addition to this, he also believes that they must receive financial assistance as well to recommence the business.
He mentioned that according to the current SOPs they have to sanitize the buses twice every day, in addition to keeping them clean, providing masks and sanitisers along taking care of the students.
Also Read: BEST Buses: 50% Of The Fleet To Be Electric By 2023 And 100% By 2028
Share
Tweet
