OneBus Edge In India, School buses fail to comply with safety standards and still their operators charge a huge sum for the service. There are large number of school buses plying in tier I and tier II cities of India, of which only a fraction have been contracted by schools, the rest privately hired by parents. Irrespective of the nature of contract, school transportation is an expensive affair for parents who would not complain about the money, if the safety of their child is assured. Most schools have only a few buses on board and students are asked to make a choice in the beginning of the academic year if they want to avail the bus service. Those parents, who don't opt for the school bus service, arrange for private buses, vans, auto rickshaws or drop and pick their children themselves. School bus accidents are so common in India, yet parents are surprisingly silent about safety issues and reluctant to take on schools on this issue. Buses should be complaint with the Supreme Court Guidelines and should have adequate seating and experienced drivers with valid licenses. Female attendants certified and trained in child safety techniques, drivers and attendants verified by the local police and first-aid kits are a must have. On the technical front, working pneumatic doors that are closed every time the bus is in motion, windows with grills/bars that prevent children from sticking their heads and arms, working speed governors, GPS tracking systems and webcams are what make it truly safe. read more