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Dubai expands school transport options, safety measures ahead of 2026-27 academic year
Parents will also have more options beyond traditional school buses, with RTA supporting dedicated school mobility services through e-hail limousine operators
- PUBLISHED: Mon 24 Aug 2026, 6:57 PM
As families prepare for the new academic year in the UAE, students across Dubai will have access to a wider range of transport options, along with tighter safety checks and increased public transport capacity around schools.
The measures are part of preparations by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for the 2026-27 academic year, with a focus on making school journeys safer, more reliable and easier for parents to manage.
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RTA has issued circulars to school bus operators in the UAE requiring them to ensure buses are fully operational, complete comprehensive safety checks and verify the validity of permits for drivers and bus attendants before services begin.
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The authority will also conduct a 30-day intensive school bus inspection campaign covering schools and buses across Dubai. Inspectors will check compliance with safety standards and operating procedures, while specialised field inspections and awareness campaigns will focus on driver and attendant permits.
More school transport choices
Parents will also have more options beyond traditional school buses, with RTA supporting dedicated school mobility services through e-hail limousine operators.
These include Careem School Rides, Uber Teens and BOLT School, which offer school transport using safety-rated drivers and modern vehicle fleets.
A school ride-pooling initiative in Al Barsha, available through the Yango app, will also allow students to share rides through dedicated packages, providing families with another option for daily school trips.
Students using a nol Card can benefit from a 50 per cent discount on RTA public transport services, including the Metro, Tram and public buses.
More buses and taxis around schools
RTA will increase taxi availability in several school zones during peak periods to meet higher demand at school opening and closing times.
The authority will also increase the frequency of more than 30 bus routes serving key school areas, including Al Nahda, Muhaisnah, Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Garhoud.
The additional services are expected to improve availability, reduce waiting times and ease school journeys for students and families.
Safety will remain a key focus, with seat belt use mandatory on school buses, ride-pooling services and ride-hailing journeys.
The measures combine school bus inspections, permit checks, field monitoring and increased transport capacity as Dubai prepares for the return of students for the 2026-27 academic year.
Azza Al Ali is a reporter from Ras Al Khaimah, dedicated to sharing stories that bring the community’s voices to life. She’s passionate about connecting with people and highlighting what truly matters to them.