Pune: Parents across Maharashtra will have to pay more for school bus services as the School Bus Owners Association (SBOA) has announced an 18% fare hike, effective from April 1, 2025. The decision comes in response to rising operational costs, fuel price hikes, and increased maintenance expenses.

According to the SBOA, several factors have contributed to the increase in school bus fares:

• Higher fuel prices – Fuel costs have surged significantly, making transportation more expensive.

• Costlier spare parts – The prices of vehicle spare parts have risen, leading to increased maintenance expenses.

• Parking fees doubled – Bus owners now have to pay double the parking fees, further adding to operational costs.

• Mandatory safety installations – GPS tracking systems, CCTV cameras, and other safety equipment have been made compulsory for school buses, increasing expenditure.

• Annual maintenance costs up by 12% – Bus operators are now spending more on repairs and upkeep.

Due to these rising expenses, the fare hike of 18% will be applicable from the new academic year starting April 1. The decision has been officially conveyed to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, the transport department, and schools.

In addition to school buses, rickshaws and taxis are also commonly used for student transport, even though this practice is illegal. The SBOA has stated that if the government takes strict action against unauthorized student transport, the fare hike may be reconsidered or even withdrawn.

"If illegal student transport is stopped, we are open to reconsidering the fare hike. The rising costs of operation leave us with no choice but to increase fares": School Bus Owners Association (SBOA)