Educators are urging parents to prioritize their children's safety over financial savings and to steer clear of illegal transportation services. This advisory comes in the wake of a tragic incident where a 7-year-old student from a Dubai school perished, and 11 others were hurt in a rollover accident on the Hatta-Lahbab road on Tuesday. The vehicle involved was reportedly a rented car that had collected the students from school post-dismissal.
Following the incident, Khaleej Times consulted with educators to investigate how schools can oversee the purported use of unauthorized transportation by parents, frequently motivated by cost concerns and prolonged travel times. Dr. Arogya Reddy, Principal of Ambassador School in Sharjah, emphasized the benefits of school buses, noting the presence of well-trained staff and bus attendants who facilitate boarding and alighting, ensuring operations run smoothly and on schedule. All bus staff are vetted by authorities like the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), with strict adherence to safety protocols. The buses are also equipped with 360-degree cameras for comprehensive surveillance, and regulatory compliance is rigorously maintained.
School authorities reiterated the high safety and security standards of school buses, which are meticulously organized with robust monitoring systems and requisite permits. The personnel are trained, authorized, and accountable for their conduct, reflecting a strong sense of duty. Dr. Reddy highlighted the shortcomings of private drivers, who often lack proper training, overcrowd vehicles, and may take risky off-road routes.
Regarding the affordability of school bus services, educators explained that the costs are slightly elevated due to underlying expenses. Dr. Reddy pointed out that parents often underestimate the minimal savings from unauthorized transport, which might amount to as little as Dh40 per month, depending on the school. He also stressed that school transportation fees are scrutinized and approved by regulatory bodies after a thorough market assessment. He advised parents to prioritize their children's safety over financial savings, especially considering the necessity of paying for staff during school breaks.
School leaders are actively seeking ways to make school transportation both safe and affordable, ensuring all students have access to reliable transport. Lisa Johnson, Principal of American Academy for Girls, emphasized their ongoing efforts to maintain safe and affordable school buses, aiming to make them the preferred choice for more families and discourage the use of unregulated services.
Parents have varying perspectives on school transportation. John Carvalho, for instance, switched from a Dh800 monthly school bus to a private service due to high costs and lengthy travel times. Conversely, Arijit Nandi prioritizes safety, opting for school bus transport for his eight-year-old, despite the higher annual cost, and only carpooling on the way to school.
