DUBAI // More than 30 schools have approached the Roads and Transport Authority to sign on for a new bus service that will begin ferrying students to classes come September.
Six cameras on the outside of the buses, which will be run by the RTA’s Dubai Taxi Corporation, will provide a 360-degree view in addition to eight cameras inside.
“The camera will be monitored by our Operation Control Centre. In case of an accident, the cameras outside will relay information to the OCC and if required with the emergency button they will connect with the police,” said Abdulla Ibrahim Almeer, RTA’s director of business development.
“The camera information will not be available for parents because of privacy.”
About 50 buses will hit the roads from the new academic year with plans for a 650-strong fleet by 2024.
“If there is a bus failure or accident, extra buses will be deployed in different locations in 15-20 minutes,” said Mansour Al Falasi, acting director of the School Transportation Department at DTC.
The 40-seater buses will be equipped with hydraulic suspension much like the public transport vehicles to ease it to ground level for young children and people with special needs.
Parents can track their children’s journey on email, text or on mobile applications. Information about children not attending school can also be seen online.
Four screens inside the bus can be used for educational messages, Mr Al Falasi said.
The RTA did not provide a fare structure for the buses. Buses can be customised to include booster or child seats for nursery and kindergarten students, WiFi and an identity card system to track students into the classroom.
Mr Al Falasi said although the service is open to Dubai schools, students would be transported to other emirates depending on requirements.
Staff including drivers and conductors will be recruited and trained by the RTA.
“We want to lift the quality of services and focus on providing safe and smooth transport because these are our children,” he said.
rtalwar@thenational.ae
