Dubai strengthens school transport safety ahead of new academic year

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is stepping up preparations for the new academic year, with student safety and reliable school transport at the centre of its plans.

The RTA will carry out a 30-day inspection campaign covering school buses across Dubai. Checks will focus on bus safety, operating procedures and the validity of permits for drivers and bus attendants.

The authority is also expanding mobility options for families. Parents will have access to dedicated school services from Careem, Uber and BOLT, as well as a school ride-pooling initiative in Al Barsha through the Yango app.

Students can also get a 50 per cent discount on RTA public transport, including the Metro, Tram and buses, with a student nol Card.

To manage higher demand during school hours, the RTA will increase taxi availability around several school zones and boost the frequency of more than 30 bus routes.

The enhanced services will cover key areas including Al Nahda, Muhaisnah, Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Garhoud.

The RTA says the measures are designed to provide students and families with safer, smoother and more reliable journeys as the new school year begins.

#RTA has stepped up its preparations for the new academic year (2026 – 2027) by implementing a comprehensive package of measures aimed at prioritising the safety of students, enhancing the reliability of school transport, and providing parents with a wider range of safe and… pic.twitter.com/LyaIsVdYAL

— RTA (@rta_dubai) August 24, 2026