As the new academic year commences, Emirates Transport, the UAE's foremost provider of school transport services, has reinforced its dedication to student safety through enhanced measures and a stringent training program for bus drivers and supervisors. Key areas of focus include preventing students from being left on the bus, implementing safe driving techniques, and preparing for emergency responses and fire safety, according to Adnan Mohammed Al Zarouni, operations director of school transportation in Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates at Emirates Transport, speaking to Khaleej Times.
Emirates Transport manages a fleet of over 9,500 buses, serving approximately 260,000 students across 620 educational institutions, including public, private, and charter schools, as well as various institutes. The company regularly trains all drivers and supervisors to keep them abreast of the latest safety protocols and service enhancements, ensuring they uphold the highest standards of safety and service quality. Recently, a back-to-school awareness workshop was conducted in Abu Dhabi for drivers and supervisors.
"Our training program is a cornerstone of our commitment to safety and service excellence, meticulously designed and coordinated through the Emirates Transport Training Centre in Dubai in collaboration with our regional supervisors and Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) officers," Al Zarouni explained. The comprehensive program covers a range of topics to boost safety and service quality, including detailed instruction on the roles and responsibilities of drivers and bus supervisors, handling and troubleshooting technical issues, and effectively using safety systems and the HAFILATY app. Additionally, the training emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough daily bus inspections.
Regarding instances of children being forgotten inside buses due to supervisor negligence, Al Zarouni emphasized that "safety of students is a top priority" and measures have been implemented to address this issue. "We have taken significant steps to prevent such incidents, including targeted training programs for both drivers and supervisors that stress the importance of thorough student counting and attendance checks at every stage of the transport process," he said. School buses are equipped with advanced safety systems, including a bus check button, an emergency button, and motion sensors that alert if a student is detected inside the bus after it has been parked. These technological measures are supported by ongoing awareness efforts to educate students about safety procedures and encourage them to notify staff if they are left behind.
Emirates Transport has conducted trial runs for buses before the start of the school year to mitigate traffic congestion and ensure safe routes. "This allows us to familiarize drivers with new routes and collaborate closely with police and traffic authorities across the Emirates to optimize safety," Al Zarouni noted. Intensive training during 'School Transportation Week' and rigorous maintenance, with over 60,000 operations annually, help ensure a safe service. Additionally, awareness campaigns for students and parents reinforce safe transportation practices, enhancing the safety and reliability of school transport services.
Emirates Transport values feedback from drivers, supervisors, schools, and parents, incorporating their insights to refine services. Drivers and supervisors have praised the hands-on training approach, noting its direct impact on improving daily operations and enhancing safety. Schools have expressed appreciation for how the training equips teams to handle real-life scenarios with increased confidence and competence, according to Al Zarouni. An open communication channel, including a toll-free number 800 6006, is provided for ease of communication.
Looking ahead, Emirates Transport is advancing the digitization of its operations to enhance route planning, real-time tracking, and communication systems. "Our goal is to create a more seamless and efficient transport experience for students and parents," Al Zarouni stated. The company is also investing in eco-friendly vehicles and practices to reduce its environmental impact. By embracing innovative technologies and initiatives, Emirates Transport aims to elevate safety standards and operational efficiency, ensuring a higher quality of service for the school community.
