Dubai RTA ramps up school safety with 30-day bus inspection drive, more taxis and buses

As Dubai's academic year commences on August 31, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is implementing a series of comprehensive safety measures to ensure students' secure commutes. These efforts, announced on Monday, encompass a 30-day intensive inspection campaign for school buses, augmented taxi services, and heightened bus frequency near school zones. The primary objective is to provide parents with heightened assurance for their children's daily transit.

RTA's initiatives also entail strict safety compliance checks for drivers and attendants, alongside the examination of driver and attendant permits to ensure the presence of qualified and authorized personnel. In preparation for the new term, RTA has directed school bus operators to adhere to full operational readiness, encompassing school bus readiness, comprehensive safety checks, adherence to operating procedures, and valid permits for drivers and attendants.

To enhance parents' flexibility, RTA is partnering with e-hail limousine operators such as Careem School Rides, Uber Teens, and BOLT School. These services focus on high-safety-rated drivers and modern vehicle fleets, offering families an additional layer of reassurance when selecting transportation for their children. Furthermore, the School Ride Pooling initiative in Al Barsha, accessible through the Yango app, provides parents with an alternative transport option, enabling students to share rides through convenient packages while promoting more efficient school journeys.

Moreover, RTA is promoting a 50% discount on public transport services, including the Metro, Tram, and public buses, via the student nol Card. For buses and taxis, RTA will augment availability in multiple school zones throughout Dubai, thereby offering additional mobility options during peak school hours. The authority will also intensify the frequency of more than 30 bus routes serving key school zones, including Al Nahda, Muhaisnah, Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Al Garhoud, aiming to improve service availability, reduce wait times, and facilitate smoother journeys for students and families.

Safety remains a top priority, with RTA reinforcing the importance of seat belt usage in school buses and ride-pooling and ride-hailing services. By implementing these measures, RTA strives to support schools, operators, and parents in ensuring a seamless and secure start to the academic year, while reinforcing Dubai's dedication to safe and sustainable mobility solutions for students and the broader community.