Pune: Public transport as well as school transport is set to undergo certain changes, if social distancing norms are to be followed to prevent the coronavirus-outbreak. Henceforth, only half the number of students than usual, can occupy the school bus. This coupled with the fuel price hike, has prompted the school bus operators to increase the bus transportation charges considerably.
The state government has allowed schools in green zones (where the number of COVID-19 cases are less) to reopen while it is expected to soon issue guidelines for reopening schools in red zones also. If the education department plans go ahead, schools can expect to reopen from August or September this year.
According to regular scheudles, the academic year has already started from June 15 and schools are conducting online classes for students.
But as parents so far were engaged in gathering resources for online education they will now have to start worrying about hike in school bus charges.
Pune Bus Owners Association Vice President Rajendra Junawane said, "In the last few days, diesel fuel rates have increased. Also due to the COVID-19 outbreak concerns, social distancing norms have to be followed. So we can accommodate only half the number of students than usual in the bus. On the other side, expenses of bus operators continue to increase. Considering all these factors, school transport bus charges will increase this year."
