Gujarat : School Van and Rickshaw Fares Increased Ahead of New Academic Session

AHMEDABAD,GUJARAT : As the new academic session is set to commence on June 13, the School Vardhi Association in Gujarat has announced an increase in the fares for school vans and rickshaws. This decision has been made to address the rising costs associated with passing charges, insurance, permits, and other expenses. The fare hike will see an additional ₹200 for school vans and ₹100 for school rickshaws, impacting parents who will now have to bear these increased costs.

The fare adjustment marks the first increase since 2021. The School Vardhi Association, Gujarat which includes approximately 15,000 van and rickshaw drivers in Ahmedabad and 80,000 across the state, decided on this measure after considering the new regulations enforced by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). According to the association, adherence to the new RTO rules has resulted in an approximate ₹50,000 increase in operational costs due to taxes.

Dharmendra Brahmabhat, a representative of the School Vardhi Association, stated, “We have not increased the fare for the last three years. However, this year, the expenses, including those related to the RTO, have significantly increased. Additionally, inflation has impacted our costs. Therefore, we have decided to increase the fare by ₹100 for rickshaws and ₹200 for vans.”

The association holds a policy of reviewing and adjusting fares every three years. Despite the rising prices of CNG, petrol, and diesel over the past three years, the fares had remained unchanged until this recent announcement. The new fare structure will come into effect with the start of the upcoming academic session.

The meeting of the School Vardhi Association, which led to this decision, was prompted by the RTO’s announcement that school van and rickshaw drivers must strictly follow the new regulations. These rules are aimed at ensuring safety and compliance, but they also contribute to the increased financial burden on the drivers.

Parents, already grappling with the economic pressures of inflation, will now need to adjust to these higher transportation costs. However, the association emphasizes that the fare hike is essential to cover the increased operational expenses and maintain the quality and safety of the transportation services provided to students.

While the fare increase has sparked concerns among parents, the association believes it is a necessary step to balance the rising costs and ensure the sustainability of school transportation services. The fare hike reflects the broader economic challenges faced by service providers in various sectors, particularly those involving public transportation.