Pune, 10th August 2023: In a stern response to safety violations, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of Pimpri Chinchwad has taken decisive action against a school operating a bus with 92 students on board, despite having permission for only 42 passengers. The RTO has levied a fine of Rs 31,000 on the bus driver of Excellence School in Moshi.
Upon discovering the overcrowded bus, RTO officials promptly summoned the school principal to the scene. The principal was directed to make alternate arrangements for safe transportation of the students and to ensure compliance with the prescribed seating capacity. It has come to light that the same bus has been ferrying over 70 students daily along the same route, a clear violation of the stipulated norms.
Parents of the affected students have expressed their concerns about the safety of their children, urging stringent enforcement of the law against such violations. In a bid to ensure the well-being of students, the RTO previously convened a meeting with school bus association members and bus owners within the city. The meeting emphasized the imperative need for adhering to traffic regulations. Moreover, the attendees were encouraged to register on a dedicated portal designed for school bus operators.
This incident highlights the critical importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of students during their commute to school. The RTO’s proactive response to this violation serves as a reminder to all stakeholders to prioritize the safety of children above all else.
