Transport for schoolkids: Rickshaws to stay, for now

RTO says only 5 schoolchildren per auto, also identifies different models of four-wheeler vans to ferry kids

RTO says only 5 schoolchildren per auto, also identifies different models of four-wheeler vans to ferry kids

Theu00a0Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the city police have decided to form school-level transport committees headed by the respective school principals to look after different issues pertaining to safe transport of students.


The MiD DAY report on whether autos would be permitted to carry on
ferrying schoolkids yesterday

Monitoring panel
The committee, also comprising of a representative of the PTA and a traffic branch inspector, will monitor transportation fees, bus stops, checking of PUC certificate, registration and other documents, licences of designated drivers and the first aid box. The decision was taken at the very first joint meeting of the city and district School Bus Safety Committee headed by Commissioner of Police Meeran Chaddha Borwankar. Chief RTO Arun Yeola, ZP members, civic body authorities and traffic branch officers were present for the meeting. Yeola said while they had identified four-wheelers to transport schoolchildren, autos ferrying students would have to adhere to certain rules.

"The transport authority will issue permits to the four-wheeler models of Maruti EECO, OMNI and Tata's Winger and Magic along with buses to transport schoolchildren to ensure their safety. The process of issuing permits has been initiated and action will be taken against vehicles lacking permit," Yeola said. "The autos which are transporting students are plying on contract basis and have permit to carry 1.5 times their original capacity, that is only five children."

Alter school timings
The transport authority has also written a letter to the education department, requesting it to change the timings of schools as it overlaps with other private and government office timings, leading to traffic congestion.
"We have asked the education department to review and possibly change timings of some schools which overlaps with other offices in order to reduce traffic congestion," Yeola said. "Each school should also appoint a warden to regulate the traffic outside the school. The wardens will also ensure that schoolchildren board the buses safely. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the school when it comes to the protection of children and their safety."

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