Maharashtra mandates school bus fare caps and CCTV tracking in new safety rules
On July 16, the Maharashtra State Government's Home (Transport) Department notified the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Regulations for School Buses) (First Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing a strict regulatory framework for school transport fares and safety measures across the state. Under the new rules, school bus and van operators will no longer be allowed to set their own fares, and parents will be granted access to live tracking and CCTV footage of their children's commutes.
The new regulations amend the 2011 rules for educational institution vehicles. Schools and transport operators have been given a three-month compliance window from the publication of the notification to implement the changes. Failure to do so may result in the suspension or cancellation of vehicle permits under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Under the updated framework, Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) are empowered to fix a base fare per kilometre per student for school buses, vans, and educational institution buses. Transport operators' monthly or quarterly fares will not be permitted to deviate more than 10 percent from the RTA-approved base fare.
To enhance student safety, the rules mandate that every school transport vehicle must be fitted with a Digital Safety Monitoring System. This system includes GPS tracking, CCTV cameras, and integration with the state's monitoring platform. Parents must be provided with live tracking and CCTV feeds through a certified mobile or web application. Schools are required to preserve the recorded footage for at least 30 days and present it to transport, education, or police authorities upon request.
Additionally, all school vehicles must install a Vehicle Location Tracking Device with a panic button, seat belts for every seat, and a Fire Detection and Alarm System or other prescribed fire safety equipment.
The rules also introduce daily digital attendance, requiring schools and operators to record the precise boarding and de-boarding times of every student. For vehicles carrying younger students up to Class V, an additional lady attendant or designated staff member must be on board. Special provisions, including accessibility features and trained attendants, are also mandated for children with disabilities or special needs.
School Transport Committees will take on an expanded role under the amendment. They will be responsible for verifying that operators charge the approved RTA fares, addressing parents' complaints regarding safety and pricing, and submitting quarterly compliance reports to District School Bus Safety Committees.
Furthermore, drivers, attendants, and other staff members can only be appointed after undergoing background verification and obtaining medical fitness certification. Schools and operators must maintain these records for inspection by transport authorities and police.
Additionally, the maximum permissible age of school buses has been increased from 15 years to 20 years, provided the vehicles comply with all applicable safety standards.
