Regulate school transport

We,Pedestrians first,have been pursuing issues regarding school transport regulation with the state government for the past nine years.

Our demands include:
* As several lakh children,from 2 to 3-year-olds commute to school in various types of vehicles,categorise school transport as a separate mode of transport,distinct from normal passenger transport
* Official permission should be given to all types of vehicles being used for school transport after ensuring that these are safe for children
* Formulate specific norms for each type of vehicle to make it and comfortable for children. Permit should be given only to those vehicles which conform to the norms
* Based on vehicle type and capacity,determine the maximum number of children to be allowed in each type of vehicle. Explore the possibility of increasing the number of children by suitable modifications of the vehicle without compromising on safety aspect.
* Introduce permit system and badge for drivers of school transport vehicles
* Drivers should have minimum five years of experience and police verification should be done before issuing them permits.
* There should be an additional responsible adult attendant in vans,minibuses and buses to take care of children
* Decide speed limit for school transport vehicles
* RTO should maintain a separate record for all school transport vehicles and drivers
* Stringent penalty for school transport should be specified for exceeding specified vehicle capacity,not keeping vehicle in good working condition,violation of rules and irresponsible/unsafe driving.

Prashant Inamdar Convenor Pedestrians First