Pune, June 4 — The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has raised serious safety concerns after discovering that a significant number of private school buses and vans are operating without renewed fitness certificates. This violation has prompted warnings to school authorities and transport operators, citing potential risks to schoolchildren’s safety.
According to RTO officials, fitness certificates are mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act to certify a vehicle’s roadworthiness. These certificates must be renewed annually to ensure that essential mechanical components — including brakes, tires, and lights — meet safety standards. However, inspections conducted in recent weeks revealed that many vehicles ferrying children have not undergone the required checks.
Authorities have emphasized that operating vehicles without valid fitness documentation is not only a legal offense but also a serious threat to student safety. “Sending unverified vehicles on the road, especially for school transport, is unacceptable,” said a senior RTO officer. “It puts innocent lives at stake.”
The issue primarily involves privately owned school transport vehicles, which are often outsourced by educational institutions. In several cases, RTO officers found expired documents and mechanical irregularities, sparking a push for stricter enforcement. Officials noted that some school administrations have failed to verify the compliance status of transport vehicles hired for students.
In response, the RTO has begun organizing surprise checks across school routes and has warned that vehicles found non-compliant will face legal consequences, including heavy fines and possible permit suspension. Authorities have also requested schools to submit updated lists of their transport vehicles along with copies of valid fitness certificates.
Parents across Pune have responded with concern, with many demanding increased transparency from schools regarding transport safety. Some parent groups have even started approaching school managements for written assurance about the vehicles’ fitness and insurance status.
Transport experts suggest that schools should implement a structured verification process that includes checking documents, conducting random inspections, and ensuring drivers are adequately trained. Installation of safety equipment such as speed governors, GPS trackers, and emergency contact systems has also been recommended.
To address the situation comprehensively, the RTO has approached the Pune Municipal Corporation and the state Education Department to coordinate efforts. Joint inspections and stricter documentation norms are expected to be introduced before the start of the new academic session.
The alarming findings have spotlighted a larger systemic issue regarding the regulation of school transport in Pune. With thousands of students relying on private vans and buses daily, the RTO’s warning serves as a crucial reminder that compliance with fitness and safety norms is non-negotiable.
