Ahmedabad School Vehicle Operators’ Association announced fare hikes

As the new academic year approaches, parents relying on rickshaws or vans to transport their children to school will encounter an additional financial burden.

The Ahmedabad School Vehicle Operators’ Association announced fare hikes on Tuesday, set to take effect from June 13.

The minimum monthly fare will rise from Rs 650 to Rs 750 for rickshaws and from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 for vans.

These rates apply for the first kilometre, with an additional Rs 100 per kilometre for rickshaws and Rs 200 per kilometre for vans.

This adjustment marks the first increase in three years, following the last hike in 2021. Association president Dharmendra Brahmbhatt highlighted the challenges faced by operators, including “the escalating costs of CNG, fees for permits and vehicle maintenance”.

According to the association, school transport vehicles, which run on CNG kits, require regular testing of their tanks every three years.

Moreover, vehicle operators are mandated to equip their vehicles with fire extinguishers and medical kits and undergo biannual vehicle inspections.

As per the transportation department rules, school vehicles must carry as many students as its passenger capacity unless they are below 12 years of age. Then, a rickshaw can carry six children, and a van can carry 14 children.