RTO Launches Website For School Bus Student Transport Committee for Pune District
Pune, July 18: Pune City Police Commissioner Ritesh Kumar emphasized the importance of following school bus rules for ensuring the safety of students during transportation. He addressed the Traffic District Safety Committee meeting held at the Police Commissionerate, where various officials including Joint Commissioner of Police Sandeep Karnik, Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijay Kumar Magar, and Regional Transport Officer Ajit Shinde were present.
Commissioner Ritesh Kumar highlighted the need for strict compliance with school bus regulations to prevent accidents or any form of harm to students while commuting between home and school. It was emphasized that school buses must have a helper (attendant), with female attendants in buses carrying girls. Drivers of these buses should be well-trained, morally responsible, and have a clean track record. The School Transport Committee is responsible for ensuring these requirements are met.
In addition, Commissioner Kumar suggested a joint special campaign involving the police department, transport branch, and transport department to check autorickshaws, taxis, and other vehicles for the safety of women working night shifts in IT companies, senior citizens traveling at night, and all passengers. A thorough inspection of vehicles during night checkpoints is crucial to prevent incidents of fare disputes, theft, assault, and other misconduct. Strict actions should be taken against drivers and vehicles found violating the rules. The Commissioner also directed the confiscation of number plates on vehicles with unauthorized fancy plates and the impoundment of such vehicles.
Joint Commissioner of Police Sandeep Karnik emphasized the importance of a meeting involving all relevant agencies and the school transport committee to ensure compliance with school bus rules. He further stated that local self-government bodies and municipal councils should establish school transport committees in government and private schools within their jurisdiction. Regular meetings should be conducted every three months to raise awareness and sensitize stakeholders about this matter. Being proactive is essential to prevent untoward incidents.
Regional Transport Officer Ajit Shinde expressed that schools must establish a memorandum of understanding with the school bus operators for student transportation. These buses should possess a valid Certificate of Competence and adhere to the School Bus Regulations in terms of design. Local government bodies should pay special attention to this aspect. It is the responsibility of the schools and the School Transport Committee to ensure that students are not transported in private vehicles that are not contracted with the school. Shinde also urged the transport department and police to promptly report any unauthorized transportation activities.
During the meeting, Deputy Regional Transport Officer Sanjeev Bhor provided information through a presentation. He announced the launch of a website, https://schoolbussafetypune.org, to facilitate the work of the School Bus Student Transport Committee in the district. Currently, 5,731 schools out of 9,663 school buses in the district have registered on the website. The education department was urged to encourage all remaining schools to register. From January to July 10, 2023, the Transport Department inspected 709 school buses and 417 other vehicles to curb illegal transportation of school students. Out of these, 178 school buses and 84 other vehicles were found in violation, and 35 vehicles were impounded. The authorities collected fines amounting to INR 29,75,000 for rule violations.
The discussions at the meeting emphasized the need for strict adherence to school bus rules and collaborative efforts among relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe transportation of students.
