Hey Pune folks, did you know that almost half of the school buses and vans in the city are running without valid fitness certificates? Yup, you heard it right! According to recent data from the RTO, out of over 6,000 school transport vehicles registered in Pune, nearly 3,000 are operating without the necessary documentation.
Parents like Arun Sable from Hadapsar are understandably worried about the safety of their children. Without a fitness certificate, these vehicles could have technical issues that pose serious risks. So, what is the RTO doing about this alarming situation? Are these vehicles being taken off the roads?
Well, according to an RTO official, vehicles without valid fitness certificates are strictly prohibited. The Dive Ghat testing facility is open on weekdays for inspections, and the RTO is cracking down on non-compliant vehicles. Any vehicle caught without a valid certificate will face fines and possible confiscation.
Anil Garg, president of the School Bus Owners’ Association, raised another concern – many of these vehicles might also be operating without the necessary school bus permits. These operators could be running illegally, bypassing the fitness certification process altogether. It’s up to the RTO to identify and penalize such offenders.
On the bright side, Bapu Bhave, president of the Vidyarthi Vahatuk Sanghatana, has suggested a solution. He plans to file FIRs against those involved in illegal transportation of school children. He also proposed keeping the Dive Ghat testing track open on weekends to accommodate vehicle owners who can’t afford to lose a working day for the renewal process.
So, parents and citizens of Pune, stay informed and make sure your child’s school transport vehicle has a valid fitness certificate and school bus permit. Safety comes first!
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