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STS joins UAE schools in easing bus fee burden as transport providers revise policies
This comes as schools across the UAE continue remote learning, with parents adjusting to home-based schedules and additional cost concerns
- PUBLISHED: Tue 31 Mar 2026, 9:06 PM UPDATED: Thu 2 Apr 2026, 9:30 AM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
In a fresh relief measure for families navigating distance learning, Dubai-based STS Group has joined UAE school operators in revising transport fee policies, announcing a pro-rata adjustment for April — broadening the wave of support already initiated by some school groups.
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The move comes as parents continue to juggle home-based schooling and financial pressures, with no school transport services being availed during the ongoing remote learning period.
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More operators step in with relief
STS Group, a transportation provider, serving over 120K students and more than 4,000 buses across 95 schools daily across the GCC, has outlined that parents who have already paid in advance will see adjustments carried forward.
In a recent circular to parents, STS Group said, “We would like to provide clarity following the recent disruption to on-site schooling. A pro-rata adjustment will be applied to April transport fees to reflect the impact on scheduled transport services during this period."
The company added that “the adjusted amount will be credited against your next transport fee payment or your school tuition fees. Alternatively, should you prefer, a refund can be arranged upon request,” offering flexibility to families.
Steve Burnell, Chief Executive Officer of STS Group, said: “We understand the concerns families may have during this period and remain committed to supporting our school communities in a balanced and responsible way. At the same time, we continue to manage significant fixed operational costs to ensure our fleet, technology, and teams remain fully prepared to resume services safely and seamlessly.”
He added that the organisation continues to prioritise its people, operations, and safety standards during this period: “Our responsibility extends beyond transport operations. We continue to support our drivers and frontline teams, maintain our fleet to the highest safety standards, and ensure all systems and processes remain fully operational. This enables us to resume services immediately, safely, and without disruption when on-site schooling returns.”
The announcement builds on similar steps taken by school groups such as The Indian High Group of Schools and Woodlem Education, both of which had earlier confirmed waivers on transport fees during distance learning.
“Families everywhere are navigating uncertainty, and we recognise that many of our parents may be facing financial pressures due to the current regional situation,” Punit MK Vasu, CEO of The Indian High Group of Schools, told Khaleej Times on Monday.
“Parents will not be charged for any days during which the school is mandated to be in distance learning mode by the regulatory authorities,” he added, describing the move as part of the institution’s commitment to supporting its community.
The group operates a large transport network across Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, employing bus captains, assistants and maintenance staff.
“Every decision we make is rooted in our identity as a not-for-profit institution dedicated to serving the community,” said Vasu. “Families everywhere are navigating uncertainty, and we recognise that many of our parents may be facing financial pressures due to the current regional situation. In moments like these, it becomes even more important for us to stand together and support one another.”
The school operates one of the largest dedicated transport fleets in the UAE, covering Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates. Despite paying bus captains, assistants, and maintenance staff — many of whom rely entirely on this income — the school has made a decision.
"Parents will not be charged for any days during which the school is mandated to be in distance learning mode by the regulatory authorities.”
“This decision once again reflects the true spirit and ethos of who we are,” Vasu added. “Our Board of Trustees remains deeply committed to every stakeholder — our students, our parents, our teachers, and our non-teaching staff. We believe that a family stays together, supports one another, and ensures that every member feels safe, valued, and able to flourish. That is exactly how we see our community: not just a school, but a family that stands united, especially in challenging times.”
Compassionate and timely measure
Woodlem Education called the move a “compassionate and timely measure” to support families.
“We believe education goes beyond classrooms. In challenging times like these, standing by our parents and easing their concerns becomes our priority,” said Noufal Ahmed, Founder and Managing Director of Woodlem Education.
The group noted that the waiver will apply only for the duration of distance learning and will be reviewed based on further developments.
The announcements come as schools across the UAE continue remote learning, with parents adjusting to home-based schedules while navigating additional cost concerns.
The group highlighted that the relief measure, which comes in the wake of the shift to online learning, will benefit students across its “eight schools and two nurseries”.
Describing the decision as a responsibility towards the community, Ahmed, added, “We believe education goes beyond classrooms. In challenging times like these, standing by our parents and easing their concerns becomes our priority. This is a small step to support the Woodlem family.”
He further added that the situation will be closely monitored and the decision will be reviewed based on further developments.
Fixed costs and year-round readiness
However, Arab Falcon Bus Rental explained how transport providers operate differently from school groups.
In an email to Khaleej Times, they explained that schools that manage transport in-house can offset costs through overall school fees, whereas outsourced transport companies rely solely on transport fees to sustain operations, including fleet, staffing and compliance requirements.
A senior manager earlier explained, “School transport operations are structured around an annual fee model, aligned with the academic year. This is because the service requires significant fixed commitments, including buses, drivers, helpers, maintenance, insurance, and safety systems, all of which must be in place regardless of daily usage.”
The spokesperson added that the company had fully mobilised its fleet and staff in anticipation of schools reopening on March 23, only before the decision to continue with distance learning was made. “Despite this, all operational costs for the month had already been committed and incurred, as our teams and resources remained fully ready and available,” they said.
