Sharjah school bus emergency? One button can alert police instantly

Sharjah's education authorities have introduced an emergency response system for school buses that can be activated with a single button, allowing police to quickly locate the vehicle and gather information about any incidents. This innovative safety measure aims to ensure the well-being of students during their daily commutes to and from school.

During a discussion on Sharjah Police's program Aman Ya Biladi, major insights were shared on the significance of this system. Major Saud Al Shaiba and Captain Saud Busim highlighted the importance of school safety, emergency response measures, awareness programs, and the collective responsibility of all stakeholders involved in school transportation.

The emergency service is part of the Ma man platform, launched by the Sharjah Private Education Authority in 2019 to address the challenge of providing timely and accurate information during emergencies. The technology-driven system was developed following complaints about delays in obtaining crucial data, such as the exact location of the bus and the nature of the incident.

To activate the emergency button, the bus supervisor simply presses it on their tablet connected to the bus's smart-board system. This alert is then sent to the Sharjah Police operations centre, providing the exact location, bus identity, and time of the incident. The supervisor also records the reason for activating the alert.

Upon receiving the alert, police operations staff verify the information by contacting either the bus driver or supervisor to assess the situation's severity. Police can then coordinate with the appropriate support authorities and continue monitoring the incident until it is resolved, ensuring all details are recorded and the report is formally closed.

If there is no response through the platform, police can use contact numbers registered in the system to reach the bus occupants. Additionally, a patrol can be dispatched to verify the situation on the ground. Seven years of development have gone into perfecting this technology-driven safety system, with initial challenges focused on the large volume of school bus journeys and the need for rapid information sharing.

Before the service was launched, authorities conducted various training sessions and practical exercises for supervisors, including procedures for students boarding and leaving buses during morning and afternoon journeys. These efforts have resulted in a more efficient and reliable emergency response system that benefits both students and their families.

The Ma man platform offers more than just emergency services. Parents can also utilize the system to monitor their children's school bus journeys in real-time, view routes and locations, and track the boarding and departure of students during morning and afternoon journeys. Moreover, school buses are equipped with advanced monitoring and safety systems, including cameras, which share information with relevant authorities and other parties.

Dr Raed Sobhi, principal of Taryam American Private School, expressed his satisfaction with the platform's impact on parents, students, schools, and government agencies. The system provides comprehensive information about the bus, driver, supervisor, and students, enabling more rapid responses during emergencies. Additionally, the attendance of students during both morning and afternoon journeys is recorded, providing peace of mind for all parties involved.

In the event of an unexpected bus stop, the platform's mapping system can quickly identify the bus's location. For minor problems, the supervisor can contact school administration. However, in serious incidents such as accidents or medical emergencies, the emergency function should be activated immediately. The first priority remains ensuring the safety of all students. Parents can be informed about delays or incidents, and a replacement bus can be arranged if required.

The success of this system depends not only on technology but also on the active participation of schools, transport operators, drivers, and supervisors. Before the academic year begins, all these parties must ensure their buses are connected to the Ma man platform. This collaborative effort, combined with awareness programs teaching students about safety procedures, significantly contributes to making school transportation safer for all.