Dubai Schools Embrace Carpooling for Traffic Relief

More Schools Start Carpooling to Reduce Traffic

Schools in Dubai are trying a new community-based transportation initiative to alleviate morning and afternoon rush hour traffic: more and more are starting non-commercial carpooling programs among parents. According to regulations in the United Arab Emirates, offering passenger transport for a fee is prohibited, but free, friendly-based carpooling is not banned if organized by parents mutually, taking turns.

Why is this needed?

Dubai's rapid growth and constantly increasing vehicular traffic cause daily disruptions, especially near schools. During morning school starts and afternoon returns, long lines often form, which not only take up parents' and students' time but also significantly increase harmful emissions.

The aim of the carpooling initiative is for parents to help each other by taking turns transporting children to and from school, thereby reducing the number of cars on the roads. This solution is environmentally friendly, economical, and strengthens community ties.

How does it work?

Schools cannot organize official paid services, but they can encourage parents to find each other if they live in the same area and their children attend the same institution. Some institutions create informal groups or forums where families can connect. However, they emphasize that data privacy is crucial: parents' consent is necessary to establish connections.

During the summer months, when traffic is generally more intense, organizing such shared trips is particularly recommended. In the cooler periods, they also mention cycling or walking as alternative options.

Benefits for Parents and Students

One of the biggest advantages of the system is flexibility: parents save time and experience less stress during the morning rush. Many have reported that friendships have formed during shared rides, community cohesion has strengthened, and children enjoy traveling with acquaintances.

The removal of a single car from the traffic can already bring noticeable changes in reducing morning congestion, especially in more cramped school parking lots and surrounding areas. Additionally, costs related to transportation, such as fuel, may decrease.

The Role of Sustainability

The initiative is not only practical but also a step forward in environmental protection. Reducing the number of cars contributes to decreasing carbon dioxide emissions, allowing families to directly contribute to our planet's future. Schools also set an example by supporting carpooling among their own employees: many teachers have been traveling with colleagues for years.

Formulating Guidelines

While there is currently little official regulation regarding school carpooling, some institutions are already working on guidelines to help parents share travel tasks in a safe and well-coordinated manner. The goal is for children to always travel under the supervision of a reliable person and for all parties to know the logistical details precisely.

Summary

The community carpooling initiatives introduced by Dubai schools serve sustainability, address transportation challenges, and offer convenience for parents. Although paid transport is not allowed, voluntarily organized carpooling is becoming an increasingly popular alternative. Practice shows that this simple yet effective solution truly benefits everyone.

(Based on an initiative by Dubai International Academy Al Barsha.)