Overview
- The School Bus Owners Association announced a 15% statewide increase in school transport charges effective June 2026 for the 2026–27 academic year, a step some local Pune operators had already started taking.
- SBOA and operators blame rising diesel and fuel costs, higher driver and attendant pay, increased maintenance and spare‑parts prices, insurance, tolls, permits and enforcement penalties for driving the revision.
- On Wednesday the association said repeated representations to the transport ministry and other authorities produced no concrete relief, prompting the unilateral fee change and renewed calls for government concessions.
- Parent groups in Pune have formally protested and written to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, demanding that future fare changes be vetted and approved by school Transport Committees and that the state consider targeted support measures.
- The hike raises immediate household costs for families who already face rising school expenses and could prompt schools and operators to press the government for permit or toll rebates, clearer regulation by regional transport authorities, or other policy fixes.