The typical buying season is during March-July when schools and colleges shop for buses. There are an estimated 300,000 schools in India, of which only a small percentage provide bus service. However, of late, this percentage is going up. As schools get set for the new academic year, bus manufacturers are also gearing up to meet the growing demand. Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, VECV, Force Motors, Swaraj Mazda and Mahindra Navistar are now eyeing the school bus market.
It is estimated that of the 60,000 buses sold in India annually, schools account for nearly 10,000, which is close to 20 per cent of the total bus market. Manufacturers like Tata Motors, Mahindra, VECV, Swaraj Mazda and JCBL have developed specific range of buses for this segment, with special features that guarantee safety and comfort for school children. They have even developed a brand identity for their school bus range.
The Government has also put in place some guidelines to be followed for school buses. The new rules and regulations will be in force from the start of next academic year.
A first-aid box, fire-extinguisher, space under the seat for the school-bag, horizontal window grills and door locks are now mandatory for all school buses. In addition, they should be easily identifiable with the school’s telephone number painted on the body. The new regulation also stipulates that school buses should have details of the blood group and contact number of the school children. Many schools have also opted for on-board tracking system to keep track of the movement of the vehicle.
School buses are getting highly sophisticated, and both the schools and parents of children are prepared to pay a premium towards better travel safety and comfort.
