Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Maharashtra Regulates School Bus Fares, Mandates Safety Features
The Maharashtra government has made big changes to school bus rules.
For the first time, they are controlling how much school buses can charge for fares.
They also made it mandatory for buses to have CCTV cameras, GPS tracking, seat belts, and other safety features.
Parents can now track their child's journey using a mobile app.
The buses must also have fire safety equipment and a panic button.
Drivers and attendants will have to go through police checks and medical fitness tests.
Existing buses have three months to follow these new rules, or their permits might be taken away.
This is to make school transport safer and more transparent for parents.
Maharashtra government regulates school bus fares for the first time.
Mandatory safety features include CCTV, GPS, seat belts, and digital attendance.
Parents can monitor their child's journey through a mobile application.
School buses must have fire safety equipment and a panic button.
Existing school transport vehicles have three months to comply with new regulations.
- Who
- Maharashtra government
- What
- Amended school bus regulations to include fare limits and mandatory safety features.
- When
- Notified on July 16, 2026.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- To make school transport safer, more transparent, and accountable for parents.
Parents and Safety Advocates
School Transport Operators
Fare Regulation
Parents and Safety Advocates
Support fare regulation to ensure affordability and transparency.
School Transport Operators
Concerned about potential financial strain due to regulated fares.
Safety Measures
Parents and Safety Advocates
Welcome mandatory safety features like CCTV and GPS for child protection.
School Transport Operators
Express concerns about the cost and implementation challenges of new safety requirements.
- Regulation Date
- July 16, 2026
- Fare Regulation
- Monthly or quarterly fares cannot exceed 10% above or below RTA-fixed rates.
- Mandatory Safety Features
- CCTV, GPS, seat belts, digital attendance, emergency safety features.
- Vehicle Age Limit
- Maximum age increased from 15 to 20 years.
- Compliance Deadline
- Three months from notification.
- Panic Button
- Mandatory Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) with panic button.
- CCTV Footage Storage
- Must be stored for at least 30 days.
- Fire Safety Equipment
- Fire Detection and Alarm System or 1 kg ABC-class fireballs required.
