School transportation charges in the Pune metropolitan region are set to increase by a substantial 20% from the upcoming academic session. Transporters announced this decision on Friday, attributing the hike to the relentless rise in fuel prices.
Decision Made Unanimously
Rajan Junavane, president of the Pune District Bus and Car Owners Association, informed the Times of India that the decision was reached unanimously during a meeting held on Thursday. “Operators involved in school transportation across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad attended the meeting. Fuel prices have been rising continuously over the past 14-15 days, with no clarity on when the increase will stop. Under such circumstances, we are left with no option but to revise our charges. Besides fuel costs, there are several other operational challenges we are grappling with,” he stated.
Earlier, transporters had indicated that transportation costs might rise by 7-8%. However, Junavane explained, “We realised that it would not be sufficient. Fuel prices have already been hiked four times, and there is uncertainty over further revisions.”
Widespread Impact
The Pune-based association head also noted, “We held discussions with our counterparts in Pimpri Chinchwad, and they agreed with the proposal. There are around 15,000 registered school buses operating across both municipal corporation limits, while the number of unauthorised vehicles ferrying schoolchildren is believed to be much higher.”
Operators explained that school transport charges are calculated based on distance travelled. “For instance, for distances of 1-3 km, the average monthly charge ranges between Rs 1,800 and Rs 2,000. Rates increase progressively for slabs of 3-6 km, 6-9 km, and beyond. The revised hike will be applied proportionately across these slabs. Apart from fuel prices, the cost of spare parts has also gone up sharply. BS4 and BS6 vehicles require AdBlue, used to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions, and its cost has risen by over 40%,” Junavane pointed out.
Industry Challenges
Dipak Kalapure, working president of the Pimpri Chinchwad Bus Association, highlighted the difficulties faced by the transport business. “Many transporters have taken substantial loans to procure buses and are struggling to pay EMIs. The rise in fuel prices has only worsened the situation. We hope parents of students will understand and cooperate. There are also rumours about online schooling resuming, and if that happens, many operators may be forced to shut down without recovering their investments,” he said.
Parents Express Concern
Parents, meanwhile, expressed that the hike would place an additional financial burden on families already battling inflation. “If transporters are suffering, so are many of us. Inflation is soaring, while salaries have not increased proportionately. The district administration should intervene and defer the hike for at least another year. Prices of all essential commodities are rising, and middle-class families are under immense pressure,” said Iftikar Shaikh, a Fatimanagar resident and parent.
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