School Transport Fees Rise Amidst Increasing Operational Costs
School bus, van operators raise transport fees

Image: Hindustan Times
As schools reopen on June 3, parents in Pune are facing increased transportation fees due to rising fuel prices and operational costs. Operators have raised fees by approximately 10%, impacting families already burdened by education expenses.
- 01School bus and van operators in Pune have increased transport fees by around 10% due to rising fuel prices and operational costs.
- 02Rajesh Shirodkar, a bus operator, highlighted significant increases in fuel, spare parts, and maintenance costs.
- 03Rajan Junavane, president of the Pune Bus and Car Owners Association, stated that fare revisions are necessary to sustain services amid long-term cost absorption.
- 04Parents report monthly transport bills rising significantly, with one family’s costs increasing from ₹3,800 to ₹4,400.
- 05The fee hikes add financial pressure to families already managing rising education-related expenses.
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With schools in Pune set to reopen on June 3, parents have begun receiving notifications of increased transportation fees from school bus and van operators. The operators attribute this approximately 10% hike to rising fuel costs and escalating operational expenses, including spare parts and maintenance. Rajesh Shirodkar, a bus operator in Kothrud and Karvenagar, emphasized that these rising costs leave operators with no choice but to adjust fares. Bipin Aware, who runs van services in Baner and Balewadi, noted that expenses related to insurance, permits, and driver salaries have also increased significantly over the past year. Rajan Junavane, president of the Pune Bus and Car Owners Association, which represents around 4,500 vehicles, stated that fare revisions are essential to sustain services. This increase has compounded financial pressures on families already facing rising education costs. For instance, Priya Deshmukh from Aundh reported her monthly transport bill rising from ₹3,800 to ₹4,400, while Rohit Wani from Wakad noted an increase from ₹3,200 to ₹3,500 for his daughter's van service. Parents express understanding of the operators' challenges but are concerned about the cumulative impact of rising educational expenses.
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The increase in transport fees places additional financial burden on families in Pune, many of whom are already managing rising education costs.
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