Post by : Badri Ariffin

Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has unveiled a pilot initiative for school bus pooling, designed to enhance transport efficiency, lessen traffic snarls, and cut expenses for families.

This new program targets an increase in school bus usage among students to 60 percent, up from the existing 49 percent, while alleviating congestion in high-density school zones during rush hours.

According to RTA, the shared bus initiative could lead to a reduction in school transport fees by 10 to 15 percent, with added discounts available for families registering two or three children.

Moreover, the authority anticipates that this initiative may substantially decrease travel times, with some commutes potentially shrinking by 35 to 40 percent—transforming a typical 40-minute journey into approximately 25 minutes, contingent on distance and selected routes.

The pilot scheme was launched in response to concerns raised by parents and is in line with Dubai's overarching transport strategy. Its primary goals include minimizing transport costs, shortening travel times for students, and easing traffic congestion around educational institutions.

Commencing with the second academic term, this trial will be reviewed at the conclusion of the current semester. If successful, RTA may extend the program throughout Dubai for the upcoming school year.

Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, emphasized that the initiative’s goal is to motivate families to transition away from using private vehicles.

“Our objective is to make school transportation an appealing and feasible alternative to personal cars, particularly in regions experiencing heavy traffic around schools,” he stated.

Shakri elaborated that the structure of this operating model is inspired by ride-hailing services, where shared buses cater to multiple schools within designated zones. Students following similar routes will be consolidated into well-organized schedules, enhancing bus usage and minimizing operational costs.

The pilot program is being launched in collaboration with Yango Group and Urban Express Transport, ensuring economical rates and high-level service delivery.

RTA has assured that all current safety protocols for school transportation will remain intact, including smart route management, real-time tracking, onboard cameras, and adherence to regulations.

“Our priority is to lower both time and costs while maintaining safety standards,” Shakri added.

Currently, school transportation fees in Dubai fluctuate based on distance and the school attended, but RTA's new program aims to progressively reduce costs, especially for families with multiple children enrolled.

Recently, the authority formalized two memorandums of understanding with Yango Group and Urban Express to initiate the pilot in early 2026, responding to the increase in private vehicle usage for school commutes.

#Global News