Dubai School Transport Responsibilities 'Spelt Out'
The Dubai government department tasked with regulating school transport in the emirate, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced 'a set of responsibilities' for all concerned parties.
The responsibilities of school management include the following: provision of suitable buses for special needs, appointing staff to be directly responsible for the tracking of buses and with whom parents can communicate. The principal of the school also has to review and endorse the bus route, and a female conductor has to be present on each bus for all grades up to Grade 6, boys excluded
The bus driver is responsible 'for compliance with the rules of driving & traffic', observing the maximum speed limit of 80 km/h and ensuring that students are seated before the bus moves. He must also stop at safe places designated for picking up and dropping off students and should ensure the safety and security of students on board.
Bus conductors are tasked with assisting students in boarding and disembarking from the bus, ensuring that no students or school bags are left on board upon arrival at the terminal point and organising the seating of students on board. They should also assist students in crossing streets and ensure that students are handed over to their family members.
The RTA holds parents responsible for ensuring their children follow the guidance of bus drivers and conductors, as well as communicating with school management about any behavioural issues their children may have.
The Agency also encouraged concerned individuals to contact them on their dedicated telephone number 8009090 or via their website if they have any suggestions or observations concerning school transport.
More than 130,000 pupils currently use school buses in Dubai of which there are 4,560 (an increase of 18% on the previous year).
