Metropolitan Transport Corporation officials explained the decision on free travel for students had been taken following complaints by a number of parents about the delay in the issue of bus passes.
“The decision was taken to appease them,” said a senior official, while blaming the school authorities for the delay.
“When our contractors went to the schools to take the photographs of students, they were simply told to come back another day. Also, several schools and a few parents have filled the application forms carelessly, forcing us to issue another card to them, and resulting in more delay,” the officer explained.
The free bus pass scheme covers students of Classes I to XII in all government and aided schools, colleges, polytechnics and ITIs.