Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has intensified its preparations for the new academic year 2026-2027 through a package of operational and regulatory measures aimed at enhancing student safety and raising the readiness of school transport services, in addition to increasing the capacity of public transport in school areas during peak hours.The authority announced the implementation of an intensive 30-day inspection campaign, covering schools and school buses throughout Dubai, to verify compliance with approved safety standards and operating procedures, in parallel with field campaigns to ensure the validity of permits for school bus drivers and supervisors.The RTA had issued circulars to school bus operators, stressing the need to complete operational readiness before the start of the school year, including the readiness of buses, conducting a comprehensive safety inspection, adhering to approved operating procedures, and ensuring the validity of drivers' and supervisors' permits.As part of improving mobility during peak school hours, the RTA intends to increase the frequency of service on more than 30 public bus routes serving key school areas, including Al Nahda, Al Muhaisnah, Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Garhoud, with the aim of enhancing service availability and reducing waiting times.The authority will also work to increase the availability of taxis in a number of school zones in Dubai to meet the growing demand during school start and end times and provide additional options for students and parents.As part of expanding school transportation options, the authority supports dedicated services through online booking limousine service operators, including Careem School Rides, Uber Teens and BOLT School, which rely on modern fleets and prioritise drivers with high safety ratings.The RTA also supports a shared school transport initiative in the Al Barsha area through the Yango app, which allows students to share trips through packages dedicated to school transport.Through the Nol Student Card, students benefit from a 50% discount on the RTA’s public transport services, including the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and public buses.The RTA confirmed that its preparations for the school season are based on an integrated system that combines preventive inspection, field monitoring, adherence to regulations and bylaws, increasing the capacity of public transport, and providing technology-supported transportation options.The authority stressed that safety remains the top priority.
