RTA Introduces School Bus Pooling to Alleviate Traffic and Costs in Dubai

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has initiated a school bus pooling project aimed at enhancing transportation services for students, alleviating traffic congestion, and reducing costs for families.

This innovative programme targets an increase in the school bus usage rate to 60 percent, a rise from the current 49 percent, while addressing traffic challenges near educational institutions during peak hours.

As stated by the RTA, the shared bus initiative could decrease transportation fees by approximately 10 to 15 percent, with additional financial incentives for families registering multiple children.

The authority anticipates notable reductions in travel times; in several regions, school journeys could see a decrease of 35 to 40 percent, transforming a typical 40-minute commute into roughly 25 minutes, contingent on distance and route optimization.

Launched in response to parental concerns, the pilot aligns with Dubai's strategic transport objectives. The initiative primarily seeks to minimize transportation costs, reduce travel durations, and lessen traffic congestion in school vicinity.

Initiated at the onset of the second school term, this trial will undergo evaluation following the semester's conclusion. Based on its success, the RTA might expand the programme across all Dubai sectors by the next academic year.

According to Adel Shakri, who leads Planning and Business Development at RTA's Public Transport Agency, the initiative aims to motivate families to transition from private vehicles.

“We wish to make school transportation a viable and appealing substitute for private cars, particularly in areas burdened with daily traffic issues,” he stated.

Shakri detailed that the operational model takes inspiration from ride-hailing services, where shared buses connect multiple schools within specified zones. Students traveling on similar routes will be organized into optimized timetables, enhancing vehicle usage and curbing operational costs.

This pilot scheme is being rolled out in collaboration with Yango Group and Urban Express Transport, ensuring competitive pricing along with high service quality.

The RTA affirms that all current safety protocols for school transportation are preserved, including smart route management, real-time vehicle monitoring, onboard cameras, and regulatory compliance.

“Our priority remains to decrease both time and expenditure without compromising safety,” Shakri added.

Currently, school transport fees in Dubai vary according to the distance and the school attended. However, the programme's goal is to progressively lower costs, especially for families with several children.

Recently, the authority signed two memorandums of understanding with Yango Group and Urban Express to launch the pilot in the first quarter of 2026, responding to the rising trend of private vehicle usage for school transportation.