By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 11: The Meghalaya Transport Corporation’s (MTC) sudden decision to discontinue its school bus services from April 1 has sparked resentment among parents in Shillong and its adjoining areas who have long relied on the service to send their children to school.
They described the move as “shocking” and “insensitive,” stating that it will impose a heavy financial burden on families, particularly those with two or more school-going children. Many questioned why the decision was taken abruptly without prior consultation or adequate notice to parents and schools.
As uncertainty looms over school transportation ahead of the new academic session, parents have urged the state government to intervene and ensure that affordable, safe and reliable school bus services remain accessible to students across Meghalaya.
MTC Managing Director KL Nongbri said the decision to discontinue the school bus operation was taken by the Board of Directors.
He added that with MTC exiting the segment, parents could consider enrolling their children under the School Transport and Education Mobility Service (STEMS), which is currently operating school bus services in the state.
The decision raised eyebrows because the MTC had only last year revised the school bus fare structure, fixing monthly charges based on distance. Under the revised system, parents were paying Rs 1,050 per month for the first five kilometres, with an additional Rs 150 for every extra kilometre. The corporation had also proposed an annual 5 per cent hike in bus fares.
According to parents, when they were thinking of requesting the MTC management to revise the proposed annual hike to once every three years instead of every year, the corporation decided to completely withdraw the service.
With the withdrawal of the MTC buses, parents and schools will now have to make alternative transport arrangements.
Many parents, particularly from areas such as Mawlai, Jaiaw and neighbouring localities, whose children attend Kendriya Vidyalaya, Upper Shillong, have expressed deep concern over the affordability of private and STEMS-run buses.
Several of them said STEMS or private bus service could cost anywhere between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 per student per month. “For families with two or three children, this is simply unaffordable,” a parent said, adding, “This decision has come as a complete shock to us. The MTC school buses were affordable and reliable. Many parents like us simply cannot afford the higher fares of private or STEM buses.”
Another parent said, “We were not consulted at all before taking such a major decision. For middle-class families, the MTC school bus was the only viable option.”
Parents also questioned how the government expected them to arrange alternative transport at such short notice.
“How can the government expect parents to suddenly arrange transport from April 1? This decision will put an additional financial burden on families,” a parent remarked.
Yet another parent said the MTC buses for decades have been a familiar sight on Shillong’s roads, carrying multiple generations of schoolchildren. “Ending this service without proper alternatives is unfair,” he said.
The withdrawal marks the end of a long chapter in Meghalaya’s public school transport history, as MTC buses have operated for decades despite ageing fleets and rising maintenance challenges.
It is learnt that a group of parents is planning to hold a meeting next week to collectively decide on their next course of action, including making representations to the government and authorities concerned.
Meanwhile, STEMS Additional Chief Executive Officer Sonali Verma said the organisation learnt about the MTC’s decision a couple of days ago. She said STEMS has already started the admission process for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year and is in the process of procuring a new fleet of 30 to 40 buses.
“We request parents to come forward and share their concerns with us. We are more than willing to help,” Verma said.
She added that STEMS is open to reviewing and modifying its fee structure to make school bus services more accessible.
“Our priority has always been to make school transport available to all. Now that we are aware of the parents’ concerns, we are ready to help and figure out a solution,” she said.
Replying to a query, Verma said they have no plans to introduce electric school buses under STEMS now.
