MUMBAI: The School Bus Owners Association (SBOA) on Saturday said that school bus fees will be hiked by 5% if toll charges are increased at five checkpoints across Mumbai from October 1.
The association will be protesting against the toll hike at the Mumbai entry and exit points after a meeting on Sunday. In case the hike is not rolled back despite public protest, the association will have no option but to hike school bus fees for some of the students by 5%, said Anil Garg, president, SBOA.
Garg said that the hike will affect more than 3,500 students who travel by school buses which cross the toll naka between their home and school — at Vashi, Dahisar, Airoli, Thane and Mulund.
One of the main reasons for the protest will be the bad road conditions which not only cause discomfort to students on board but also damage buses which lead to increase in maintenance cost, said Garg.
An official at toll naka said the revised charges will come into effect as per the order. The hike in toll for buses will be from Rs 130 to Rs 150, sources said.
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