New School Bus Rules in Maharashtra: Here’s How They Will Impact Parents and Students

July 19, 2026: In a landmark move aimed at making student transportation safer, more transparent and accountable, the Maharashtra government has introduced a comprehensive set of reforms governing school buses and vans across the state. The new regulations, notified under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Regulations for School Buses) (First Amendment) Rules, 2026, mark the first time that school transport fares will be subject to government oversight while introducing a host of mandatory safety standards for operators.

The revised rules, which amend the 2011 school transport regulations, provide schools and transport operators with a three-month window to implement the new requirements.

Government to Regulate School Bus Fares

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a regulated fare structure for school transport.

Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) will now determine benchmark fares for school buses, vans and educational institution vehicles based on factors such as operating costs and distance travelled. Operators will not be permitted to charge more than 10 per cent above or below the approved fare, bringing uniformity to pricing and reducing disputes over transport charges.

The move addresses a long-standing demand from parents for greater transparency in school transportation fees.

Technology to Improve Student Safety

The new regulations place strong emphasis on the use of technology to monitor student transport in real time.

Every school transport vehicle will be required to install:

• GPS-based live tracking
• CCTV surveillance systems
• Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) with panic buttons
• Digital attendance systems that record student boarding and drop-off
• Mobile application integration to enable parents to monitor bus movement

Schools and transport operators must retain CCTV footage for a minimum of 30 days, making it available to transport authorities, police or education officials whenever required.

Mandatory Safety Equipment

To improve passenger safety, all school buses and vans must now be equipped with:

• Seat belts for every passenger
• Fire detection and alarm systems or approved fire safety equipment
• Clearly marked emergency exits
• Functional emergency communication systems

Authorities say these measures are intended to reduce risks during emergencies and improve preparedness.

Greater Focus on Child Protection

The amended rules introduce stricter norms for personnel engaged in school transportation.

Drivers and attendants must undergo:

• Police background verification
• Medical fitness examinations
• Regular documentation and compliance checks

Vehicles carrying children up to Class V must have a lady attendant or designated female staff member on board. Additional provisions have also been included to improve accessibility and support for children with disabilities and those with special needs.

Expanded Role for School Transport Committees

School Transport Committees will now have wider responsibilities beyond monitoring vehicle safety.

Their duties include:

• Verifying that operators comply with RTA-approved fares
• Addressing complaints from parents regarding transport services and safety
• Reviewing compliance with operational standards
• Submitting quarterly reports to District School Bus Safety Committees

The changes are expected to strengthen oversight at the school level while providing parents with a formal grievance redressal mechanism.

Older Buses Allowed Under Strict Conditions

The government has also revised the permissible operational life of school buses.

Under the new rules, school buses may continue operating for up to 20 years, an increase from the earlier limit of 15 years, provided they continue to meet all prescribed fitness, maintenance and safety standards.

Three-Month Compliance Deadline

Schools and transport operators have been given three months to comply with the new regulations. Authorities have warned that vehicles failing to meet the prescribed standards after the deadline may face suspension or cancellation of permits under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Transport officials believe the reforms represent one of the most significant changes to Maharashtra’s school transport system in over a decade. By combining fare regulation with stricter safety standards and digital monitoring, the government aims to improve accountability, enhance child safety and provide parents with greater confidence in the daily transportation of their children.