Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out a comprehensive package of safety measures and expanded transport choices for parents ahead of the start of the 2026 - 2027 academic year.
The authority has issued formal circulars to all school bus operators across the emirate, directing them to complete thorough operational checks prior to picking up students. To enforce compliance, the RTA is launching a 30-day intensive field inspection campaign covering school fleets, drivers, and bus attendants across Dubai to verify that all permits and vehicle safety standards are fully up to code.
Specialised inspection teams will focus on critical compliance requirements, including mechanical fitness, emergency equipment, and the validity of driver and supervisor permits. The field checks run alongside awareness campaigns to ensure staff understand standard operating procedures for student safety.
For Dubai parents seeking alternatives to traditional school buses, the RTA is also supporting a suite of dedicated e-hail and ride-pooling options. Families can access services such as Careem School Rides, Uber Teens, and BOLT School, which utilise modern fleets operated by high-safety-rated drivers. Additionally, a School Ride Pooling initiative via the Yango application is currently being supported in the Al Barsha area.
By combining stringent fleet oversight with flexible, regulated ride-hailing options, the authority aims to ease morning traffic congestion around school zones while giving parents tailored choices for their daily commute.