Pune: Parents Oppose Proposed 15% School Bus Fee Hike, Seek State Intervention

Pune, 6th June 2026: School bus operators’ associations across Maharashtra have decided to increase transportation fees for students by 15% from the current academic year, prompting opposition from parent groups who have urged the state government to intervene and halt the proposed hike.

The Mahaparents Parents Association said the increase would place an additional financial burden on families already struggling with rising educational expenses. The association argued that implementing a fare hike without prior approval from the School Transport Committee is against established norms and unfair to parents.

While acknowledging the rise in fuel prices, maintenance costs and other operational expenses faced by transport operators, the association said any revision in transportation charges should be undertaken transparently, in consultation with all stakeholders and in accordance with prescribed regulations.

“Student safety and the financial interests of parents must be given top priority. Any fee hike should be transparent, fair and implemented only after approval from the School Transport Committee. The government should intervene immediately and provide relief to parents,” said Dattatraya Pawar, office-bearer of the Mahaparents Parents Association.

The association has demanded that the proposed 15 per cent hike be withdrawn, approval of the School Transport Committee be made mandatory before any fare revision, and the government verify whether transport committees are functional in all schools.