Not all schools have the provision of bus service to transport the students to and from the respective schools every day. Working parents who may not have the time to ferry their children depend on the services of private transport operators. Vehicles like vans, private cars, rickshaws and even motorcycle taxis are being used for transportation of school children. The question that arises is whether private transport operators follow all safety norms while transporting the students. Green Goa Foundation (GGF) has reportedly demanded stringent action against the owners of private vehicles transporting children to school without adhering to safety norms. Transportation of school children is governed by Goa Motor Vehicles (Regulations for School Buses) Rules, 2015. The vehicles need to have a valid permit. The rules also mandate the vehicle to be fitted with a speed governor. Students are forced to sit in cramped spaces. At times even parents are seen transporting more than two children on their two-wheeler thereby putting their lives in danger. Vehicles transporting students need to be checked for drunken driving especially in the afternoon when schools close down.
