Pune: School bus transport fare may hike after reopening

Pune, June 26, 2020: The school transport association has indicated to increase the fare of school transport vehicles including bus, van and authorised auto-rickshaw after the opening of schools in the city. The parents might have to pay 10-20 percent more than the current fare.

Due to the Coronavirus lockdown, all schools are closed until further notice. Meanwhile, the schools have started online classes.

According to the School Transport Association, since the last two weeks, the price of petrol and diesel have been touching new highs. For the first time in history, diesel prices are higher than petrol. The association has indicated to hike fare by around 10 to 20 per cent.

“Diesel prices have been on the rise for the past few days. Apart from this, the number of students will also be lower than the months before lockdown. Each school bus will have to carry just about 50 percent students of its capacity, but the transporters will have to pay 100 percent costs. The transporters will also have to continue to pay taxes, maintain the buses. As a result, the transport fare may increase,” said Rajendra Junwane, Vice President, Pune Bus Owners Association.