Dubai RTA Steps Up School Transport Safety Measures Ahead of New Academic Year

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has urged all school bus operators to raise their readiness levels for the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, with a strong focus on student safety, traffic efficiency, and service quality.

The directive forms part of RTA’s Back-to-School programme, which places health and safety at its core. Specialised RTA teams have launched rigorous inspections to ensure school bus operators and school administrations comply with Dubai’s strict transportation regulations.

“RTA attaches great importance to raising awareness about health and safety, as they are among the most important pillars of the Back-to-School programme,” the authority said in a statement.

Safety and Compliance

Under the initiative, school bus drivers are being reminded to strictly observe traffic laws, particularly in residential zones and around schools. Drivers must also avoid obstructing other vehicles to reduce congestion and keep traffic flowing smoothly.

To support these goals, operators have been directed to provide comprehensive training programmes for both drivers and bus attendants. These sessions emphasise professional conduct, safety-first practices, and responsible interaction with students during daily commutes. School administrations, meanwhile, have been tasked with ensuring students are escorted by attendants to and from designated drop-off points near their homes.

Technology and Parental Reassurance

The authority is also encouraging bus operators to equip vehicles with modern safety features, while maintaining open communication channels with parents to reassure them of their children’s security. “Operators conduct driver training under RTA’s supervision and remain committed to equipping buses with essential safety features and measures,” the RTA said, noting that regular updates to parents remain a key part of the system.

Reaffirming its broader vision of becoming “The World Leader in Seamless and Sustainable Mobility,” the RTA said the safe and efficient movement of schoolchildren remains a priority, both for Dubai’s education system and its transport network.

“RTA remains committed to streamlining the daily movement of Dubai’s school transport sector, recognising its pivotal role for the nation’s leadership and its paramount importance to parents who entrust their children’s safety and comfort to these services,” the statement added.

Community Campaigns

In a parallel initiative, the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE), in collaboration with Dubai Police, launched a cheerful Back-to-School campaign on August 18 in the Muhaisnah area.

The event aimed to foster community spirit and safety awareness, featuring Dubai Police mascots Officer Mansour and Officer Amna, who entertained children and educated them about security in a fun environment. A display of luxury police patrol vehicles also drew excitement among students and parents.

Authorities say the combined efforts underscore Dubai’s commitment to making the back-to-school season safe, smooth, and engaging for students and their families.