The Maharashtra government has announced a new set of school bus rules to make student travel safer and more transparent.
Under the revised regulations, all school buses and vans will have to install GPS-based live tracking, CCTV cameras, digital attendance systems, panic buttons, and other safety features.
The government has also introduced rules to regulate school transport fares.
Schools and transport operators have been given three months to comply with the new requirements.
Parents Can Track School Buses in Real Time
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of a Digital Safety Monitoring System in every school bus and van.
Parents will be able to track their child’s bus live through a certified mobile app or web portal.
This will help them know the vehicle’s location throughout the journey.
The system will also provide access to CCTV footage, allowing parents and authorities to monitor student safety. Schools must keep these recordings for at least 30 days.
School Bus Fares Will Be Regulated
The new rules also bring school transport charges under an official regulatory system.
Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) will fix a base fare per kilometre per student.
Transport operators will not be allowed to charge more than 10% above the approved fare.
The government says this step will improve transparency and protect parents from unreasonable fee hikes.
New Safety Features Now Mandatory
To improve student safety, every school transport vehicle must now have several essential safety features.
These include:
GPS-enabled vehicle tracking
CCTV cameras
Panic buttons
Seat belts for every passenger
Fire safety equipment
Schools must also maintain digital records of student pick-up and drop-off times, making it easier to monitor every child’s journey.
Schools and Transport Operators Face Stricter Rules
The revised regulations place greater responsibility on both schools and transport operators.
Drivers and attendants must complete background verification and medical fitness checks before they can be appointed.
For buses carrying children up to Class V, a female attendant or designated staff member will be compulsory.
Schools will also be required to resolve transport-related complaints promptly and submit regular compliance reports to the authorities.
Three Months to Follow the New Rules
The Maharashtra government has asked schools and transport operators to implement all the new requirements within three months.
With live GPS tracking, CCTV surveillance, digital attendance, regulated transport fares, and stricter safety standards, the new rules aim to make school travel safer, more transparent, and more reliable for students and parents across the state.
