RTA cracks the whip on errant school buses in Telangana

With schools reopening on Monday, officials of the Road Transport Authority (RTA) had a busy day as they swung into action to conduct surprise checks, seizing 10 vehicles in the process.

RTO officials inspected seized buses at Rajendranagar, Hayathnagar, Tukkuguda and Narsingi, as the drivers did not have valid fitness certificates.

Over 5,600 school and college buses ply on roads daily, but over 1,000 buses did not submit their relevant documents by May 15, the last date, RTA officials said.

"With a concern for the safety and security of students, our inspectors have been visiting each and every institution and explaining to the management the rules in person. Most of the institutions are following the rules while hiring buses or a bus driver and keeping the relevant documents," M.



Praveen Kumar, district transport commissioner (DTC) for Rangareddy, said.

"The rules apply to every institution and bus owner. We will mainly focus on immobilising buses that have crossed 15 years. Apart from this, we will also check for valid fitness, pollution, road tax, licence and insurance. If the driver is unable to produce any of these, we will seize their vehicle and penalise them," Praveen Kumar said.

RTA officials said they are strictly not allowing vehicles over 15 years of age to ply on roads as it could pose safety and security concerns for students.

Apart from this, the RTA officials are in constant touch with bus owners through mail and mobile phone, including reminders to carry relevant documents and update certificates.