Abu Dhabi's New Student Transport Safety Laws

Abu Dhabi: New School Transport Rules for Student Safety

The Abu Dhabi education authority, ADEK (Department of Education and Knowledge), has implemented new regulations regarding school transportation affecting all parents, students, and institutions. The new directive focuses on child safety, clearly defining responsibilities, and making transportation processes more efficient. According to the regulation, children under the age of 15 are no longer allowed to commute to or from school unaccompanied, even if they live close by.

Child Safety Above All

The new regulation explicitly states that every school is responsible for the safety of students throughout the entire school bus journey, regardless of whether transportation is provided by the school or an external service provider. Bus drivers and supervisors working with children must possess an ITC (Integrated Transport Centre) permit.

For students under 11, a supervisor must be present on every bus ride. The regulation has become even stricter: students under 15 can only enter or leave the school premises accompanied by an adult. If the parent or an authorized adult is not present at the drop-off point, the child will be taken back to school after all other stops.

Older Siblings With Parental Consent

An older sibling, at least 15 years old, can take charge of picking up a younger sibling, but only if the parents provide written consent to the school. Through the declaration, parents have to assume responsibility and confirm that the older sibling is mature enough for the task and that the younger sibling's safe journey home is ensured.

Importantly, the school assumes no responsibility for accidents or issues arising from such cases. This regulation is not only a restriction but also a transfer of responsibility to the parents.

Non-School Transport: Bicycle, Scooter, Car

Students in grades 9–12 (14–18 years old) can travel independently to school, provided they do not use school-provided vehicles, such as bicycles, scooters, or a parent's car. This is only permissible with written parental consent. It is important to note that the school is only responsible for students within the institution's premises, not on the route leading there.

School Buses: For Students Only

Another important aspect of the new regulation is that school buses are exclusively for student transport. Parents and teachers cannot travel on school buses. However, for field trips, the use of tourist buses is allowed, provided they meet safety standards, such as having seat belts, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.

Bus Fees and Route Regulations

School bus fees are set according to a framework developed by the ITC, and any price increase requires ADEK approval. The maximum journey duration cannot exceed 60 minutes—from the first pickup point to the last drop-off. Students can only be picked up or dropped off at designated points.

For children under 11, an adult must always be present at the drop-off point—otherwise, the child is taken back to school. This requires parents to organize collections precisely and to be punctual, as the rule is clear.

Gender-Specific Supervision

The new guideline also specifies that students under 11 must be accompanied by female supervisors. Exceptions are permitted only if the bus carries only older male students. This detail ensures that every child feels comfortable and safe during the journey.

Why Is This Important for Parents?

The new transportation regulation isn't merely an administrative adjustment; it's a concrete set of measures targeting children's well-being and physical safety. Parents' roles have increased: they are responsible for ensuring their children's safe and lawful travel. Written consents, timely pickups, and precisely adhering to routes are all crucial for smooth operation.

The system leaves no room for randomness or flexibility, but that is precisely the goal: to eliminate situations that could potentially lead to tragedy. The new regulation provides transparent, detailed, and clear frameworks within which everyone knows their duties and responsibilities exactly.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi's new school transportation rules focus on student protection and enhancing cooperation between institutions and parents. Children under 15 can only travel accompanied by an adult, while older students can travel independently using non-school vehicles—with parental permission. Bus drivers, supervisors, routes, and fees follow strict regulations, ensuring that every student travels safely to and from school.

(The article is based on the statement by the Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek).)