School Bus Fees to Increase by 15% in Maharashtra from June 2026, Announces SBOA
School Bus Fees to Increase by 15% in Maharashtra from June 2026, Announces SBOA
Mumbai, June 3, 2026: Parents across Maharashtra may have to pay higher school transportation charges from this month, as the School Bus Owners Association Maharashtra (SBOA) has announced a 15% increase in school bus fees for the academic year 2026-27.
According to SBOA President Anil Garg, the decision was taken after repeated appeals to the state government and transport authorities for financial support failed to receive any positive response.
The association stated that school bus operators have been facing rising operational costs for a long time and had requested government intervention to avoid increasing fees. However, with no relief measures announced, operators say they have no other option but to revise transportation charges.
SBOA clarified that the fee hike is not only due to rising diesel prices. Operators are also struggling with increased expenses related to fuel, driver and staff salaries, vehicle maintenance, spare parts, insurance, permits, toll charges, and overall inflation. The association also highlighted the growing burden of e-challans and enforcement-related penalties.
The association noted that the transportation sector as a whole is facing financial pressure. It pointed out that airlines have also increased fares and reduced services in some cases due to rising operating costs.
Expressing concern over the impact on parents and schools, SBOA said it regrets the inconvenience caused by the fee hike but described the move as unavoidable. The association warned that without government support, it will become increasingly difficult for school transport operators to continue services sustainably.
Despite the increase, SBOA assured parents and educational institutions that school bus operators remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for students.
The association has once again urged the Maharashtra government to review the situation and introduce measures that protect the interests of students, parents, schools, and transport operators.
