Bus Policy

1. Short Title:

These rules may be called the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle (Regulation for School Buses) Rules, 2011.

As amended later: These rules may be called the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle (Regulation for School Buses) (First Amendment) Rules, 2012.

In Rule 2 of the principal rules (hereinafter referred to as the “Principal Rules”), clause (d), the following shall be inserted after the phrase “four-wheeled light motor vehicles”:

“and three-wheeled auto-rickshaws having proper seating and safety features with a hard roof and enclosed passenger compartment as may be approved by the Transport Commissioner from time to time.”

2. Definitions:

Unless the context otherwise requires:

a) “Act” means the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
b) “Appropriate Authority” means the authority empowered under the Act to issue permits for school buses.
c) “Contract Carriage” means the same as defined in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
d) “School Bus” means vehicles specifically designed and constructed for transporting school, college, and other educational institution students, including four-wheeled light motor vehicles with a seating capacity up to 12.
e) “Transport Vehicle” shall have the meaning assigned in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
f) “School Authority” means the principal, headmaster, or a teacher of the school.
g) “Escort” means a person appointed by the vehicle owner with the approval of the school management for the purpose of accompanying school buses.
h) “Prescribed” means prescribed by the rules framed under this Act.
i) Any words or expressions not defined in these rules shall carry the same meaning as assigned to them under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

3. Requirement of Permit:

No owner or driver of a motor vehicle shall use or permit the use of such vehicle for transporting school children in any public place unless he holds a valid contract carriage permit under Section 74 of the Act for such vehicle. The permit shall authorize the use of the vehicle in the manner and for the purpose it is intended for.

4. Grant of Contract Carriage Permit for School Transport:

Subject to the provisions of sub-section (3) of Section 74 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Regional Transport Authority may, upon an application made under Section 73 of the said Act, and subject to conditions laid down in these rules, issue or refuse a contract carriage permit for transporting school children.

5. District School Bus Safety Committee:

1. For discussing, deciding, and recommending matters related to the safety of school children and their transportation, a District School Bus Safety Committee shall be constituted in each district under the chairmanship of the Police Commissioner or the District Superintendent of Police. Members of the committee shall include:
   
   
   • Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad or a nominee not below the rank of Additional CEO.
     
     
   • Municipal Commissioner or his nominee not below the rank of Additional/Deputy Commissioner.
     
     
   • General Manager or Transport Manager of the Municipal Transport Service.
     
     
   • Divisional Controller, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation.
     
     
   • Chief Officer of the Municipal Council.
     
     
   • Education Officer (Primary & Secondary), Zilla Parishad.
     
     
2. The Chairperson shall nominate a representative from schools/colleges from each taluka. The Deputy Regional Transport Officer shall be the Member Secretary of the committee.
   
   The committee shall meet at least once every six months to review and monitor school transport safety matters.
   
   
3. Each school shall have a School Transport Committee to oversee safe transportation, transportation fees, and bus stops. The committee shall verify documents such as Registration Certificate, Fitness Certificate, Insurance, Permit, Pollution Under Control Certificate, Driver’s License, fire extinguisher, First Aid Kit, etc.
   
   

6. Composition of School Transport Committee:

The committee shall be chaired by the Principal of the school and shall include:

• A representative of the Parent-Teacher Association.
  
  
• Traffic Inspector or Police Inspector of the concerned area.
  
  
• Motor Vehicle Inspector or Assistant MVI of the area.
  
  
• Education Inspector.
  
  
• Representative of the bus contractor.
  
  
• Representative of the local authority.
  
  

The committee shall meet at least once every three months and prior to the start of each school session.

7. Bus Terminals and Stops:

The Regional Transport Authority, in consultation with the school management, traffic police, and municipal authorities, shall designate appropriate terminals and stops for school buses, keeping in view school timings and children’s safety.

8. Application Format for School-Owned Buses:

For grant or renewal of permits for school-owned vehicles used to transport children, the application shall be made in the format PSCOS as prescribed in the schedule to these rules.