Nashik school transport operators requested to stick to seat capacity, not overcrowd vehicles

Nashik: RTO officials have requested school transport operators in Nashik to adhere to the permitted passenger capacity limit for student transportation. As educational institutions resume operations, school transport vehicles are visible during morning, afternoon and evening hours. There are more than 2,600 school buses registered with the Nashik RTO.Transport officials reported that during the school holidays, in April and May, they took action against 16 school transport vehicle owners for unauthorised commercial activities. While no dedicated enforcement campaign targets overcrowding in school transport vehicles, officials have requested operators to comply with seating capacity regulations.The expansion of residential developments across Nashik has increased the requirement for school transportation services. Parents often use autorickshaws when buses and vans are unavailable. Frequently, autorickshaw drivers accommodate students even in the front seat. Against this backdrop, RTO officials have advised against exceeding permitted passenger limits in all forms of school transport, including autorickshaws.

Currently, fitness assessments for school transport vehicles are going on. Senior transport officials acknowledged previous technical difficulties in conducting statewide fitness tests for school buses. After resolving these issues, inspections now take place on weekends as well. Several parents have sought police presence during early morning hours, as lighter traffic leads to increased vehicle speeds on roads.