Pune: Caught between soaring fuel costs and parents of students unwilling to pay more, autorickshaw drivers ferrying schoolchildren across the city said they are in a difficult position ahead of the new academic year.Ayaz Shaikh, a Kondhwa-based auto driver who transports four schoolchildren daily, said he is struggling to stay afloat. With CNG prices rising steadily, Shaikh recently asked parents to increase the monthly transportation fee from Rs800 to Rs1,000 per child. The proposal was immediately rejected. “They told me that if I raised the charges, they would look for another driver or make alternative arrangements. At the current rates, it is becoming difficult to make ends meet. We have families to support, too,” Shaikh told TOI, adding, “I may have to approach my union for help.”Shaikh’s predicament is echoed by many of his peers in different areas. School bus operators have already announced a 20% hike in transportation charges for the new academic year, and many rickshaw drivers are also seeking fee revisions. But parents, themselves grappling with rising household expenses, are refusing to shoulder the additional burden.“We understand that parents are under pressure because of rising fuel and LPG prices. But our earnings are limited as well,” said Samir Pathan, an auto driver from Yerawada. “I requested a hike of around 30%, but parents refused. Two of them even said they would stop using my service altogether. It is becoming very difficult for drivers like us.”According to Regional Transport Office (RTO) regulations, autorickshaws can transport schoolchildren only if they possess a special school transport permit. Such vehicles are not permitted to operate as regular passenger rickshaws. In reality, however, many parents privately hire regular auto drivers to ferry their children to and from school. Authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over overloaded rickshaws carrying students, warning that the practice poses serious safety risks.Sanjay Bapte, a Pimpri-based rickshaw driver, said discussions over fee hikes have turned into arguments. “I asked for a monthly increase of just Rs250 per student, but parents were unwilling. They kept saying they were facing the same financial pressures. This year, I am seriously considering discontinuing school transport services and focusing only on regular passengers,” he professed.Meanwhile, auto unions said they are receiving numerous complaints from members facing similar challenges. Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Baghtoy Rickshawala union, said many drivers are struggling to absorb rising operating costs. “Our members have repeatedly approached us regarding this issue. Competition is already intense because of the large number of autos on city roads, which keeps earnings low. The increase in CNG prices has worsened matters. We appeal to parents to understand the financial difficulties faced by drivers,” he said.Shafiq Patel, president of the Azad Rickshaw Chalak Sanghatana, said unions may step in to break the deadlock. “There is already a demand for a revision in auto fares. We will initiate discussions with parents on behalf of our members and try to find a middle ground,” he said.For many parents, however, paying higher transportation charges is simply not an option. Aniket Moghe, a bank employee from Undri, recently discontinued school transport services for his two children after the monthly fee increased from Rs900 to Rs1,400 per child. “We could not afford the increase,” he said. “Now, I drop them to school myself and their uncle picks them up. Like everyone else, we are trying to manage with a limited income.”
