UAE's School Bus Revolution: Less Traffic, More Smiles

More School Buses, Less Traffic – Why Experts Advocate for State Support in the UAE?

The education system of the United Arab Emirates has undergone significant transformation in recent years, not just in terms of school standards and infrastructure, but also in the way students commute to school. An increasing number of parents are opting for organized school bus services instead of transporting their children daily by private cars. Several factors drive this trend, including growing traffic congestion, environmental concerns, and cost efficiency. Recently, transport experts have been increasingly urging the government to support companies operating school buses, further encouraging the population to shift to public transport.

Rising Numbers and Utilization

According to data from the Dubai Taxi Company (DTC), over 24,000 students used their operated school buses in 2023, with that number climbing to 37,000 by 2024 and nearing 40,000 by 2025. The fleet has also significantly expanded: from 950 buses two years ago to over 1,150 buses currently serving students. This means that on average, 35 students are now traveling on a bus, compared to 25 students two years ago. Efficiency has thus improved, favorably affecting operating costs as well.

The increase in utilization is advantageous not only financially but also environmentally and traffic-wise. Each bus can roughly replace 40 passenger cars on school routes, which significantly reduces morning and afternoon peak traffic pressures.

The Need for Support

Despite the growing popularity of using school buses, maintaining the service comes with substantial costs for operators. Vehicle maintenance, fuel expenses, driver salaries, and the installation of safety systems all constitute significant expenditure. Experts suggest now is the time for the state to play a role in mitigating these costs, perhaps through tax incentives, fuel subsidies, or other incentives.

Such supports would allow school bus operators to offer more affordable rates to parents. This would not only increase the uptake but also enhance the efficiency of the public transport system.

Convenience and Safety

Using school buses is not only a practical solution for reducing traffic, but it is also safer and more comfortable for students. School buses are driven by trained drivers, undergo regular inspections, and are often equipped with modern safety devices like camera systems, GPS tracking, and automatic stop systems.

Experience shows that students who commute by school bus are more balanced and less stressed than those who experience the frustrating morning traffic in a private car. A previous study found that 85% of school bus-using students felt happier about their school commute compared to those using individual transport solutions.

Environmental Benefits

Among the UAE government's objectives is to reduce the carbon footprint and prioritize sustainable transport solutions. School bus use can be a simple yet effective tool for this. For instance, if 50 new buses are introduced, they can replace approximately 2,000 cars on the roads. This leads to significant emission reductions and fuel savings, not to mention improved air quality.

Challenges and Balance

Naturally, there are challenges with using school buses too. Time is among the foremost issues. Buses often take longer to deliver students to school compared to direct parental transport. Buses touch multiple stations, thus lengthening travel time. This must be considered when organizing the service, striving for optimal routes and reasonable stop distributions.

It is also crucial for the service to be not only accessible but attractive to parents. This includes a modern bus fleet, precise scheduling, real-time tracking possibilities, and features ensuring children's safety. The higher the service quality, the more people will transition from individual transport to school buses.

Conclusion

The shared goal of transport experts and policymakers is to ensure that schoolchildren in the UAE have not only an education but also sustainable, safe, and affordable access to school. Expanding the school bus system plays a key role in this, particularly if the government actively supports operators. Dubai and other cities in the UAE are on the right path, but future development will be essential in fostering public-private cooperation and gaining parents' trust and engagement.

(The article's source is a statement from the Dubai Taxi Company (DTC).)