One hundred and twenty-five school buses operating in Ghaziabad failed the tests conducted by the transport authorities. These have been given a week’s time to rectify the faults failing which they will be scrapped.
A fleet of school buses in Ghaziabad
Around 125 of 712 school buses ferrying students in Ghaziabad were found to be violating norms during an inspection conducted by the Ghaziabad transport department on Sunday. The buses were checked based on a eleven-point list of norms derived from the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court. Notices have been issued to operators and owners of the 125 buses which failed to comply with the guidelines.
Officials said that the inspection was conducted before the beginning of the academic session to avoid inconvenience to parents, children and the schools. “Owners of school buses which failed to follow the norms have been asked to rectify the problems and get the vehicles inspected again by April 15,” said Vishwajeet Pratap Singh, Assistant Road Transport Officer (administration) of Ghaziabad.
There are around 1400 school buses plying in the city. “Vehicles which did not turn up for inspection have been given a second chance. Owners have been asked to make their vehicles available within seven days from now on April 15. The vehicles which had problems have been asked to rectify them within these seven days and get them rechecked. In case these instructions are not followed, it would draw action from the transport department,” Singh further said.
There are eleven points for checking school buses:
1. Whether the words ‘School Bus’ are clearly written on the bus or not.
2. Whether the school's name and phone number have been written on the body of the bus.
3. Whether there is a horizontal grill or net on the bus's windows.
4. Whether or not a foot board has been installed on the door for children to climb in and out.
5. Whether there is space underneath seats for storing school bags.
6. Whether there are fire extinguishers in the bus.
7. Whether there is first aid box in the school bus.
8. Whether the speed governor or speed limiter is installed in the bus.
9. Emergency exit is installed.
10. Has a pressure horn been installed or not.
11. Other guidelines which include various issues like colour, cleanliness, pollution clearance, vehicle papers etc.
Officials said that following the final common inspection on April 15 there will be regular inspection of these vehicles.
