The Chandigarh Administration on July 05, 2024, reviewed the Safe Transportation Policy for Students (STRAPS) as schools reopen after the summer break.
It is stated that it is observed that sometimes proxy unverified and untrained drivers drive the school buses in the absence of main drivers. Also highlighted was the issue of expired medicines in the first aid box of school buses & vehicles and that all bus drivers & attendants do not undergo life support training. Secretary Transport directed the School Bus Operators Welfare Association to ensure that only verified & trained drivers are deployed at school buses even if main drivers are absent from duty and that all buses have updated & stocked first aid boxes. Also emphasized that bus drivers & attendants be given life support training through the Red Cross.
The issue of overcrowding in autos & cabs carrying school children and plying of illegal cabs were also discussed, and it was decided that data regarding school children using private autos & cabs be collected through schools and parents should also be advised to avoid using the autos & cabs which are either running without permit or overcrowding children.
