The District Education Authority (DEA) Lahore has directed leading private schools in the city to arrange transportation for at least 50 per cent of their students by October 1, 2024.
Schools that fail to comply with these directives will face strict penalties, in line with current regulations, officials have warned.
The decision was made during a meeting of the District Registering Authority Lahore, held on September 11, where the implementation of a Lahore High Court ruling regarding student transport was discussed. The ruling mandates that private schools must ensure transportation is available for half of their student population.
Schools face strict deadlines and guidelines
In official letters sent to school owners and principals, the DEA emphasized the full enforcement of the High Court’s directive. Schools are required to arrange or hire buses, and must share detailed bus route plans with parents.
Additionally, all vehicles used for student transport must meet strict safety standards, including having valid fitness certificates and undergoing inspections for fuel, tire pressure, and brakes before each journey.
Drivers must hold valid licenses, be physically and medically fit, and provide their CNIC, contact information, and home addresses to the school administration. To ensure safety, a teacher or an “Aya” (caretaker) must accompany students on each trip, while the driver must adhere to speed limits. Overloading is strictly prohibited, with student numbers in vehicles not allowed to exceed seating capacity.
Moreover, the DEA made it clear that schools’ registration or renewal will depend on their compliance with these transport arrangements. The district authorities expect full implementation of these directives by October 1, 2024.
Sources in the Punjab School Education Department also confirmed that similar directives will soon be issued to private schools in other districts of Punjab, ensuring province-wide adherence to the Lahore High Court order.
