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Dubai tests pooled SUV school transport: What you need to know
If the programme succeeds, it could have far-reaching impacts on the emirate’s roads and pave the way for similar pooling services in other sectors
- PUBLISHED: Mon 19 Jan 2026, 6:00 AM UPDATED: Mon 19 Jan 2026, 9:20 AM
- By:
- Nasreen Abdulla
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Dubai is testing a new way to get students to school that aims to cut traffic, costs, travel time, and carbon emissions. The school transport pooling system, launched last week by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) with Yango Group and Urban Express, is currently in a trial phase.
The concept uses shared SUV transport for students travelling to and from nearby schools along similar neighbourhood corridors. If it succeeds, it could have far-reaching impacts on the emirate’s roads and pave the way for similar pooling services in other sectors.
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How parents can sign up for pooling
Parents of students in participating schools can register their interest through Yango's online page or the Urban Express platform.
Registrations are onboarded on a rolling basis, with routes activated based on demand, feasibility, and coordination with schools. Students are expected to begin using the service within one to two weeks after registration and onboarding.
“The rollout is being managed in stages to ensure service quality, clear communication with families, and smooth coordination with schools,” said Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Group Middle East.
Parents whose schools or residential areas are not yet covered can still register their interest for future expansion planning.
Pricing model
During the pilot phase, the service is offered on a monthly subscription basis, with online payments only, with an introductory monthly rate ranging between Dh800 and Dh1,000. As of now, there is no pay-as-you-use option, as predictable attendance is essential for pooling efficiency.
However, Dr Al Hashimi noted that term-based plans may also be evaluated as the service evolves, subject to feasibility and approvals.
Last week, a senior RTA official said that the authority aims to have 60 per cent of students use shared or school transportation in the next three years. This pooling service is one of the initiatives that will support this target.
According to Dr Mohamad Al Hashimi, Founder & CEO of Urban Express Transport, the pilot is the outcome of extensive research by the RTA to address key challenges such as high private vehicle usage, long student travel times, and congestion during peak hours. However, he added that the system was not intended to replace bus transport.
Areas and schools covered in the pilot
The pilot initially focuses on high-congestion school clusters, starting with Al Barsha and surrounding neighbourhoods, where parking constraints and peak-hour traffic pressures are highest.
Dr Al Hashimi said that schools included in the pilot phase include Al Mawakeb School Al Barsha, American School of Dubai, Bloom World Academy, Brighton College Dubai, Dubai Heights Academy, Dubai International Academy, Dubai Schools Corporation, multiple GEMS Education schools, Kings School Al Barsha, Nord Anglia International School, Repton Al Barsha, Safa Community School, and other institutions in the area.
Expansion into additional communities will take place in phases, subject to demand, route feasibility, and regulatory approvals.
How are pickup, drop-off and routes planned?
The service will use demand-based routes instead of fixed lines for each school. After students register, those from the same neighbourhoods will share SUV vehicles for their trips.
“Routes and schedules are planned in advance, aligned with school start and finish times, and monitored in real time,” said Abdul Karim. “Vehicles are assigned to defined parking zones serving several neighbouring schools, which prevents unnecessary detours and ensures journey times remain efficient and within the 60-minute limit.”
Pick-up and drop-off points are chosen based on neighbourhoods and how close they are to students’ homes.
The timing matches each school’s needs. During the pilot, routes and stops may be adjusted based on how things go and the schools.
