Back to school: RTA guidelines for bus drivers, transport operators

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued a call to all school bus operators across the emirate to gear up for the start of the 2025–2026 academic year. Emphasising its vision of becoming “The World Leader in Seamless and Sustainable Mobility,” the RTA is pushing for top-tier service standards to safeguard student well-being across all age groups.

Health and safety remain central pillars of RTA’s Back-to-School programme. As part of this initiative, the authority is conducting rigorous inspections to ensure school bus operators and school administrations are strictly adhering to its transport regulations and safety requirements.

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“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.

The inspections are being led by RTA’s specialised teams, which are actively monitoring the compliance of transport operators with Dubai’s school transportation laws.

Strict compliance and student safety protocols

All school bus drivers have been instructed to observe traffic laws meticulously, especially in school zones and residential areas. Operators are being reminded to avoid obstructing other vehicles, reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety.

“Drivers must also refrain from obstructing the flow of other vehicles, thereby helping to reduce congestion and ensure smooth traffic movement at all times,” the RTA stated.

To support this, transport operators have been directed to implement intensive training programmes for drivers and bus attendants. These sessions focus on professional and safe engagement with students during their daily commutes. Drivers are reminded of their responsibility to uphold the highest safety standards at all times.

Meanwhile, school administrations are expected to ensure that students are escorted by bus attendants to and from the nearest drop-off points to their homes, reinforcing a seamless and secure travel process.

Modern technologies and parental reassurance

RTA has also highlighted the importance of equipping school buses with advanced safety technologies. Operators are further encouraged to keep open lines of communication with parents to reassure them of their children’s safety.

“Operators conduct driver training under RTA’s supervision and remain committed to equipping buses with essential safety features and measures,” the authority said. “They also maintain regular communication with parents to reassure them of their children’s safety during daily commutes.”

RTA reaffirmed its commitment to streamlining the school transportation network across Dubai, which plays a vital role in supporting both educational institutions and the city’s broader mobility goals.

“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.

As the new academic year approaches, RTA has extended a message of encouragement to students across Dubai to embrace the year ahead with energy and optimism. The authority has reiterated the importance of compliance with health and safety protocols for a successful academic journey.

MBRHE and Dubai Police launch joyful Back-to-School campaign

In a related development, the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE), in partnership with Dubai Police, launched a cheerful “Back to School” campaign in the Muhaisnah area on August 18, marking the beginning of the academic year.

The initiative forms part of a wider series of community engagement efforts aimed at promoting education in a positive and safe environment, according to a WAM report.

Adding to the excitement were Dubai Police mascots, Officer Mansour and Officer Amna, who entertained students and brought energy to the event. A special display of Dubai Police’s luxury patrol vehicles also captivated children and parents, blending fun with valuable lessons on safety awareness.

“The initiative featured the participation of Dubai Police mascots… helping to raise security awareness among students and their families in an enjoyable yet safe setting,” WAM reported.

As Dubai gets ready for classrooms to reopen, authorities are working in sync to ensure that student safety, traffic efficiency, and community spirit take centre stage in the back-to-school season.