As schools across the UAE are set to reopen on Monday, August 26, after a long summer break, students and parents are preparing to adjust back to their regular routines. For many families, this means resuming the use of school buses for daily commutes.
With safety as a top priority, several guidelines are in place for parents, students, drivers, attendants, and schools to ensure a smooth and secure journey. Although these rules have been established for some time, it’s essential to revisit them as the new school year begins.
Guidelines for Students and Parents:
- Parents should ensure their child arrives at the bus stop on time and inform the driver or attendant in case of delays or absenteeism.
- Students must board their designated buses in a single queue, without pushing or causing disturbances.
- Outsiders, including parents, are not allowed on the bus.
- Students should remain seated during the commute and follow the instructions of the driver and attendant during emergencies.
- Eating, drinking, and peeping out of windows are prohibited on the bus.
Guidelines for Bus Drivers:
- Drivers must wear their uniform and seat belt at all times and be fluent in both English and Arabic.
- They are required to pick up and drop off students only at designated stops, ensure they do not exceed the bus's capacity, and adhere to the 80 kmph speed limit.
- Drivers must have a first aid kit, avoid alcohol and smoking, and maintain a professional demeanour.
Guidelines for Schools:
- School buses must be yellow, labelled "School Bus" in both English and Arabic and equipped with GPS and CCTV cameras for monitoring.
- Attendants should be present to oversee students, and buses must have air conditioning, emergency exits, and fire extinguishers (one for buses under 10 meters, two for longer buses).
- Schools should also ensure the cleanliness of buses and that there are no bars on the windows.
These safety measures are crucial for ensuring that students have a secure and comfortable ride as they return to school.