The Maharashtra state government is set to introduce a regulatory framework for school bus fares, aimed at addressing complaints from parents about arbitrary fee collections by schools and transport operators. The proposed guidelines will require Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) to establish a base fare per kilometer per student, ensuring that schools charge parents monthly instead of demanding lump sum payments for the entire academic year. This initiative follows persistent concerns from families regarding steep and inconsistent bus charges, which have typically ranged from ₹600 to ₹800 per month. The draft guidelines, released for public feedback, also focus on enhancing safety measures in school transportation. Key provisions include the installation of CCTV cameras, GPS tracking, and panic buttons, alongside new requirements for seatbelts and trained attendants for younger children. Schools will need to maintain daily logs of students' boarding and deboarding activities, with live tracking linked to safety systems. The regulations come in response to a serious incident in 2024 involving a school bus driver, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety protocols. While parents have largely welcomed these proposals, transport operators have expressed skepticism regarding the necessity of new regulations, citing existing policies that are not effectively enforced.