Press Releases
18 Aug 2025
Calling on School Bus Operators to Ensure Student Safety and Comfort
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has called on all school bus operators in the Emirate to be fully prepared for the start of the 2025–2026 academic year and to deliver the highest standards of service for students across all age groups, in line with RTA’s vision: “The World Leader in Seamless and Sustainable Mobility.”
RTA remains committed to streamlining the daily movement of Dubai’s school transport sector, recognising its pivotal role for the nation’s leadership and its paramount importance to parents who entrust their children’s safety and comfort to these services. The Authority also champions the integration of modern technologies as a key driver in further enhancing safety and well-being on board.
Following a restful summer break, RTA encourages students across Dubai to embrace a new academic year filled with excitement, challenges, and optimism for a brighter future. In this context, the Authority has reiterated to school administrations and transport operators the need to strictly comply with all health and safety requirements to ensure a secure and successful learning environment.
RTA attaches a great importance to raising awareness about health and safety, as they are among the most important pillars of the Back-to School programme. RTA closely and continuously monitors the commitment of schools and operators to implementing the stipulated procedures and requirements. School bus operators and school administrations are required to maintain the safety of students and provide a safe and comfortable environment on buses for them, as well as for supervisors and drivers alike. The procedures, implemented by RTA's specialised teams, include inspection campaigns of bus operators to ensure their compliance with school transportation laws and requirements.
Students are also required to follow the instructions of bus attendants when boarding and alighting, with attendants ensuring that students are escorted to the nearest point to their homes.
RTA has further urged school bus operators to instruct their drivers to strictly comply with traffic regulations, particularly on roads and in areas surrounding schools. Drivers must also refrain from obstructing the flow of other vehicles, thereby helping to reduce congestion and ensure smooth traffic movement at all times.
RTA ensures that school transport operators provide intensive training programmes for drivers and bus attendants, focusing on safe and professional ways of dealing with students. Drivers are also reminded of their responsibility to safeguard students throughout daily trips by adhering strictly to safe driving practices.
At the same time, RTA commends the continued efforts of school transport operators and school administrations to safeguard students during their daily journeys. Operators conduct driver training under RTA’s supervision and remain committed to equipping buses with essential safety features and measures. They also maintain regular communication with parents to reassure them of their children’s safety during daily commutes.