Ensure buses, vans are legal, schools in Mumbai told

MUMBAI: The RTO and traffic police recently sent reminders to schools in Mumbai to ensure that buses and vans ferrying students are running legally and the schools have signed a Common Standard Agreement (CSA) with the bus contractors. This is part of the crackdown on illegal vans ferrying children which are unregulated and hence could be a hazard.
Several schools offer bus services through contractors who have signed agreements with the schools, but parents tend to opt for smaller vans which go up to their doorsteps and are cheaper.
A senior RTO official said, "Schools can keep a check on all vans, autos, and buses ferrying students. They can also ask the driver for valid licence permits to ensure children are in safe hands." In some school vans, the drivers carry a more children than what is permissible. RTO officials appealed to parents to avoid such vans and ask for the driver's licence and vehicle permit before sending their child in the van. "In case of buses/minibuses, parents should also confirm with school authorities whether the operator has a CSA," the official added.