Crackdown begins on school buses by RTO

Private bus operators are biggest violators of rules

Crackdown begins on school buses by RTO

Private bus operators are biggest violators of rules

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) seems to have finally woken up from its slumber. Its inspectors have started a major crackdown on school buses that flout safety precautions prescribed by the RTO or are not roadworthy.

The RTO officials said most violators did not have fire extinguisher, first-aid kits and proper documentation. On Friday, 37 buses were checked and 10 were issued memos by the RTO inspectors. On Saturday, 21 were checked notices and memos were issued to seven buses. According to an RTO official, the drive was carried under the guidance of Deputy Regional Transport Officer Laxman Darade.

RTO officials have pointed out that most of the buses that were violating rules were those that were contracted by the schools and where a single bus operator renders his services to one or more educational institute.

"About 70 per cent of the buses that have been checked since Friday and are erring belong to private bus operators. Buses owned by schools are usually well maintained and follow all the rules systematically. This is because the schools have a sound financial wherewithal and can afford to spend a hefty amount on the buses' maintenance," said another official.

Some of these vehicles were also non-heavy vehicle class like minivans.

RTO inspectors first issued a memo or a notice to the concerned bus operator after any violation is detected, which has validity if 10 days within which the vehicle owner or operator has to bring his vehicle to the RTO office with the required changes and technical modifications which are inspected by inspectors. Failing to do so then leads to a case being lodged under relevant laws and sections.

An RTO official added that they would also inspect auto rickshaws, which are often known to dangerously overload children.