Pune News: RTO mandates fitness certificate for 6,895 school buses, vans

According to a Pune RTO official, school bus owners must get a fitness certificate from RTO to ensure the safety of students on the road. However, as many as 6,895 school bus owners in Pune have not yet obtained that certificate.

24 June 2024

Pune- The Road Transport Office (RTO) has issued notices to the owners of 6,895 school buses and vans, asking them to obtain fitness certificates in order to ensure the safety of the students. These vehicles transport over four lakh students in Pune.

According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1989, a vehicle’s registration is considered valid only if it has a fitness certificate. Pune RTO officials informed that inspection of school transport vehicles will be carried out to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

As per the rules, small buses (light motor vehicles) are charged a fee of Rs 600, while large buses (heavy motor vehicles) are charged Rs 800. Additionally, bus owners need to pay an annual tax of Rs 100 per seat, which varies based on the seating capacity, when applying for a fitness certificate. Violation of these regulations can result in a fine of Rs 4,000, among other penalties.