NAVI MUMBAI: The Vashi and Panvel Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) flying squads have taken strict action against 178 school bus and van operators who were found to be in violation of RTO rules, thereby endangering the safety of students using school bus as means of commuting. During the enforcement drive, a total of Rs 2.90 lakh in compounding fees was collected by the school bus operators. The Vashi RTO collected Rs 62,000 in compounding fees from 60 school bus operators, while the Panvel RTO recovered Rs 2.28 lakh from 120 school bus operators.
Hemangini Patil, Deputy RTO of Vashi, stated, “Following the directives of the state transport commissioner, we conducted inspections of approximately 250 private buses and vans transporting school students in July. Out of these, 60 violators were penalized as per the RTO penalties. The offenses included five vehicles without speed governors, four overloaded vehicles, 32 vehicles without fitness certificates, 13 vehicles without vehicle insurance, 11 vehicles without female attendants, and four vehicles without fire extinguishers. The 32 buses operating without fitness certificates as well also fined with lack of window grilles, emblems, licence plates, and the required yellow paint.”
Nilesh Dhote, Assistant RTO of Panvel, reported, “Our flying squad inspected a total of 333 school buses and vans, and among them, 120 vehicles were found to be in violation of safety norms. These included four vehicles without permits, 13 without fitness certificates, 20 buses without fire extinguishers, two without insurance, 11 without first aid boxes, seven without motor driving licenses, and five operators without a driver’s badge. Additionally, 58 vehicles were found to be overloaded, compromising the safety of the students, and there were issues with improper seating arrangements and cleanliness. Two vehicles have been confiscated due to non-payment of compounding fees.”
Assistant RTO Dhote explained the penalties for the violations, stating, “Driving without a permit carries a penalty of Rs 20,000, while driving without a license incurs a penalty of Rs 10,000. The penalty for lacking vehicle insurance or a fitness certificate is Rs 4,000 each.Any driver found without a badge was fined Rs 2,000, and a penalty of Rs 1,000 is imposed on each bus for not having a fire extinguisher or a first aid box while transporting students which is mandatory.