Drunk driving of school buses raises concerns

Kathmandu, Agu 1 : On Sunday morning, traffic police officers conducted a surprise check on school and college buses in different parts of the Kathmandu Valley.

According to Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Mira Chaudhary, traffic police had received several complaints regarding the ways school buses have been operating on the roads.

A total of 16 buses of different schools and colleges, including prominent and reputed ones, were found to be flouting the set standards. 

“We didn’t expect to fine school bus drivers for drink and drive in the early morning. We expect that schools and colleges will also be aware now onwards,” said DIGP Chaudhary, chief at Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office. 

The buses fined for drink and drive belonged to Himalayan White House International College, Bridgewater Education Foundation and Research Centre, Cosmic International College, Uniglobe College and Triyog High School.

Similarly, a bus of Brihaspati Vidyasadan was fined for carrying students in excess of the capacity. “It was a 29-seater bus carrying more than 50 students,” said DIGP Chaudhary.

According to KVTPO, 10 buses were fined for not having proper documents among others and those drunk were not allowed to operate the bus further after being penalised. A separate bus was sent by Brihaspati to take students properly.

The KVTPO had also conducted similar checks on school buses operating in the Valley a week ago.  Over half-a-dozen buses were penalised then as well.

“Last week, a school bus with 40-seat capacity was carrying 71 students,” said DIGP Chaudhary.

Officers at KVTPO have urged the educational institutions for proper support in making transportation safer for the students.

“The inspection, checking and fining of school buses were performed under the School Bus Directive, 2074. The directive clearly states standards to operate a school bus. 

Abiding by it is enough to make transport safe for students,” DIGP Chaudhary suggested.

“School buses have not met accidents recently in Kathmandu but the way we found them to be operating worried us. Schools and colleges should also be accountable and ensure that a decent driver drives a  vehicle with proper documents,” DIGP Chaudhary told The Rising Nepal.

DIGP Chaudhary also requested organisations like Private and Boarding School’s Organization Nepal (PABSON), National-PABSON and Higher Institutions and Secondary Schools’ Association Nepal (HISSAN) to make institutions aware regarding the issue.

DIGP Chaudhary had also met with senior officials from PABSON, N-PABSON, HISSAN and Parents’ Association on July 20 and discussed ways to manage safe operation of school buses on the roads of Kathmandu.

Educational institutions have also been requested to park their buses properly within their premises rather than on roads. 

Meanwhile, PABSON’s Chairman DK Dhungana said, “Transportation of students should be safe, it is a must. We had earlier sent a circular to all the schools after having consultation with traffic to abide by the directives related to school bus.”

Regarding the vehicles penalised for drink and drive on Sunday, Dhungana said, “We will contact the respective schools and colleges and direct them to take necessary action against such vehicles and be aware about the condition of drivers and vehicles before letting them carry students.”

According to Dhungana, PABSON will coordinate with traffic police to make transportation safer for students.