Mumbai: The government of Maharashtra seeks to control unlicensed school transport by designating vans that hold up to 12 passengers as 'school vans'. At present, more than 100,000 small vans function without permission, leading to this adjustment in the motor vehicle regulations.
The transport department has recently classified school buses as vehicles accommodating over 13 passengers, while vans serve those with under 12, updating from the earlier limit of six students. Authorities highlight the necessity for stricter rules regarding student transportation.
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New school vans will have a color code that shows their status and will exclusively transport students. They must follow safety regulations akin to buses, which include aluminum mesh on windows and first-aid kits, and must not surpass their seating limit.
The government expects that specially designed vans will improve safety and reduce traffic congestion by providing convenient doorstep service for parents. The Bombay High Court had banned 'soft top' autos from transporting schoolchildren but permitted six-passenger vans, prompting scrutiny of the legality of these vans following the 2019 amendment to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules.
Nonetheless, Anil Garg of the School Bus Owners Association contends that this new policy might not withstand legal scrutiny because of current court actions. He warns this might result in more small vehicles on the roads, which goes against the government's objectives for public transport and reducing road congestion. He observes that several smaller vans can occupy the area of a single school bus, challenging the government's strategy in light of current problems with transportation regulation.
