But this is more than just a logistical hiccup. It’s a lifestyle shift for working parents, students, and schools alike. Here’s everything you need to know—and how to manage the unexpected school commute storm.
Why Are School Bus Operators on Strike?
The strike is being led by several associations of private school transport operators who are protesting the heavy e-challan fines imposed on them, especially under the tightened traffic surveillance in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
Many operators argue that the fines are excessive and unaffordable, often amounting to tens of thousands of rupees per vehicle—a financial burden they claim threatens their ability to stay in business.
The key demands include:
Waiving or reducing pending e-challan penalties
Revising traffic norms applied to school buses
Clear guidelines for school bus operations under new traffic rules
With no consensus reached after repeated meetings with state authorities, the operators launched the strike—initially for a day, but now extended indefinitely.
How Widespread Is the Impact?
The disruption is statewide, but cities with a high concentration of private schools—Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Thane—are particularly affected. Early estimates suggest that over 2 lakh students in Mumbai alone depend on private school buses for their daily commute.
Schools have remained open, but attendance has dipped in several institutions. Many parents had to take emergency leave, adjust work-from-home schedules, or resort to ride-sharing, auto-rickshaws, or pooling with neighbors.
What Parents Should Do (Right Now)
In times like these, confusion breeds faster than solutions. Here’s how you can handle the situation practically and calmly:
Explore Alternate Transport Groups
Coordinate with other parents from your child’s class or school WhatsApp group.
Form carpool rotations or pool money for a shared cab/auto for the week.
Talk to Your Child’s School
Some schools are helping connect parents or arranging temporary solutions.
A few are considering flexible timings or attendance leniency during the strike.
Stay Updated on Local Authorities' Announcements
Pune’s RTO and Education Department, for instance, are reportedly in talks with operator groups.
Keep an eye on credible local news or your city’s civic body website for updates.
What’s the Government’s Stand?
The Maharashtra transport department maintains that traffic rules and e-challan penalties apply to all drivers equally and exist to ensure student safety. However, they have expressed willingness to hold further discussions with operators, especially considering how student transport is being affected.
No resolution has been officially announced at the time of writing. If the strike continues, school managements may be forced to seek interim transport services, though this raises safety and cost concerns.
For most middle-class urban families, school bus service is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. A disruption like this creates ripple effects: missed meetings, anxious mornings, overworked parents, and even children missing meals or sleep due to altered routines.
