Pune: School Bus Fees May Rise By 15–20% From June 1; Parents Could Pay ₹300–₹500 More Per Month
School Bus Fees in Pune to Rise From June 1
Parents may have to pay ₹300 to ₹500 more every month as transport operators cite rising fuel, urea and maintenance costs.
Pune: Parents in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are set to face higher school transportation costs from June 1, as school bus operators have announced a fee hike of 15 to 20 per cent.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the school transport wing of the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Bus Association held on Thursday in Pune.
According to the association, the increase in petrol and diesel prices over the past year has made it difficult for transport operators to manage expenses. They also pointed out that the costs of tyres, batteries, spare parts and AdBlue used in Euro-6 buses have gone up significantly.
Bus operators said the revised charges are expected to increase monthly fees by around ₹300 to ₹500 per student.
“We are not increasing fares to earn extra profit. The hike is necessary to manage the rising operational costs. Diesel prices alone have increased by nearly ₹10 per litre,” said Rajan Junawane, president of the Pune Bus and Car Owners Association.
The fee hike comes just before the start of the new academic year. State board schools are scheduled to reopen from June 15, while several private and other board schools will begin earlier.
