As the new academic year approaches, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) highlights the necessity for school administrations and bus operators to guarantee a secure and healthy travel experience for students. The RTA underscores the importance of implementing health and safety protocols in school buses, ensuring that schools fulfill their duties to create a conducive environment for both students and bus attendants.
During the back-to-school period, students are brimming with excitement and anticipation, and ensuring their safety during commutes is a crucial aspect of a safe educational setting. The RTA consistently monitors the performance of the school transport sector throughout the Emirate, recognizing the vital role this service plays for the UAE’s leadership and parents.
How is safety on buses maintained? Through regular inspections to ensure buses are safe and roadworthy, installation of emergency devices for quick responses, and attendants escorting students to the nearest point to their homes. RTA’s specialized teams conduct inspection campaigns to ensure compliance with school transport laws and standards. Bus operators are required to instruct drivers to strictly follow traffic regulations, especially near schools, and to avoid obstructing traffic. Drivers are also advised not to park buses in front of school entrances and exits to prevent traffic congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow.
School transport companies must provide thorough training for drivers and bus attendants on safely managing students, as mandated by the RTA. Drivers are educated on their primary responsibility for student safety, adopting safe driving practices. Operator-conducted driver training is supervised by the RTA, focusing on safety standards and maintaining continuous communication with parents to assure them of their children’s safety during daily commutes on school buses.
The RTA appreciates the relentless efforts of operators and school administrations in safeguarding students during their daily journeys.
