Private schools ignore UKOME decision: Exorbitant hikes for shortest distance school bus fees

School bus fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, which will begin on Monday, September 9, have been announced.

At the UKOME meeting, a 16 percent increase was applied to bus fees compared to last year. According to the new tariff, including the cost of attendant personnel, the shortest distance was set at approximately 23 thousand TL annually, and the longest distance at approximately 55 thousand TL.

According to NTV's report, the rate of increase in some private schools that did not heed the UKOME decision reached up to 80 percent.

Many private school bus fees have not yet been finalized. However, at one private school chain, the shortest distance fee, which was 39 thousand TL annually last year, has risen to 71 thousand TL this year.

"WE CANNOT PROVIDE A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT"

Bus drivers also found the 16 percent increase decided in the UKOME ruling to be insufficient. The drivers claimed that their reasoning was rising costs.

Istanbul General School Bus Operators Association President Günhar Sinar added that the UKOME decision includes a provision that special fees can be charged if a special service is provided, stating, "We have always said this: If you want to lower the price, provide a competitive environment. These tour companies and schools employ my colleagues."

Stating that the fees are not reflected in the earnings of the bus operators, Sinar said, "Private school owners and tour firms do not let our colleagues inside. Therefore, parents are worried when the student has to board outside the school. Because they board outside the school, a security issue arises, and we cannot provide that competitive environment."

News Source: 12punto