Dubai conducts 1,000 school bus inspections as part of Covid-19 safety drive

The emirate's Roads and Transport Authority will carry out checks throughout the academic year

An RTA team carry out a safety inspection on a Dubai school bus. Courtesy: Wam

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has carried out more than 1,000 inspections of school buses as part of a Covid-19 safety drive since pupils returned to classrooms.

The series of spot checks covered transport operators for 111 schools across the emirate.

The campaign found 56 breaches of procedures, most being for non compliance with safety specifications on buses.

Officials said other offences related to technical stipulations for bus seats, the exterior and interior design of vehicles and failure to correctly display permits.

Transport chiefs said safety of pupils was paramount and inspections – which monitor general safety protocols as well as Covid-19 measures – would be carried out throughout the school year.

In August, the RTA held a workshop with school representatives and bus operators to outline the importance of adhering of Covid-19 protocols.

Safety measures in place include limiting bus capacity to 50 per cent, daily temperature checks for staff and pupils, extensive sanitisation of buses before use, the wearing of masks for passengers and clear plans for seating arrangements in line with physical-distancing practices.

More than 170,000 pupils are served by 6,732 school buses across Dubai, the RTA said.

Thousands of pupils resumed in-person lessons for the first time in close to six months at the end of August after schools shut down and moved to distance learning as part of efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Strict measures are also in place to ensure the safety of staff and pupils, such as mandatory face masks, pupil “bubbles” and limiting activities that involved gatherings.

UAE pupils go back to school:

Pupils heading to school for the first day after the summer break at the Pearl Academy School on Muroor Road. Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Youngsters start their day at the Pearl Academy School on Muroor Road, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A mum and her two daughters pose for a photo at the Pearl Academy School. Victor Besa / The National

A father walks his son to the Pearl Academy School. Victor Besa / The National

Pupils at GEMS Dubai American Academy arrive after the summer break. Reem Mohammed / The National

Youngsters make their way to classes at GEMS Dubai American Academy. Reem Mohammed / The National

Parents and pupils approach the entrance of the GEMS Dubai American Academy. Reem Mohammed / The National

A pianist plays in the foyer as young students wander into the GEMS Dubai American Academy. Reem Mohammed / The National

Pupils say goodbye to their parents at the GEMS Dubai American Academy. Reem Mohammed / The National

Brendan Fulton, principal at Dubai British School, interacts with students on their first day back. Reem Mohammed / The National

Pupils begin the day at Dubai British School. Reem Mohammed / The National

Youngsters take part in activities at Dubai British School. Reem Mohammed/The National

Evie Fleming, second from right, takes part in a team-building class on the first day of school at Dubai British School. Reem Mohammed / The National