As the new academic year commences, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) is emphasizing the importance of ensuring the up-to-date fitness certificates for school and college transport vehicles. With the well-being and safety of students being a top priority, the RTO has taken proactive steps to facilitate the renewal process, considering the busy schedules of school administrations and private school bus owners.
To accommodate the convenience of students, school authorities, and school bus operators, the RTO has decided to offer the option of renewing fitness certificates for school buses and vans on government holidays. Pre-scheduled dates and times will be assigned to bus and van owners, allowing them to plan ahead and make necessary arrangements. However, it is essential to obtain a manual appointment from the Transport-Bus Division at the Regional Transport Office, situated at Sangam Bridge, in order to secure a designated slot. The fitness tests for school vehicles are set to commence on June 24, 2023.
In addition to obtaining appointments, it is crucial for owners to pay the associated fee at the RTO office before presenting the vehicle for the renewal inspection on the designated holidays. Without a confirmed appointment and payment of fees, vehicles will not be eligible for the fitness test.
Sanjay Bhor, the Deputy RTO, emphasized the significance of ensuring the fitness of school buses, stating, “We have been conducting fitness tests for vehicles for a long time. With the commencement of the new academic year, we have decided to focus on school buses. Therefore, bus operators who wish to have their buses tested can visit the RTO at any time, even on weekends if weekdays are not feasible.”
This initiative aims to uphold the highest safety standards in the transportation of school children. Renewing fitness certificates ensures that the vehicles are in optimal working condition, minimizing the risk of accidents and prioritizing the well-being of the students.
The RTO has assured the public that they will continue to maintain a strict monitoring system. Regular fitness checks and inspections will be carried out to identify any shortcomings in the vehicles and address them promptly. By enforcing these measures, the RTO aims to create a safer transportation environment for students and instill confidence in parents and school authorities regarding the well-maintained fleet of school buses.
