School bus safety to be enhanced under new transport master plan

School transport regulations are expected to get tighter under a new master plan currently being studied by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The revised school transportation master plan is likely to set higher standards for the sector, enhancing safety for students on the road.

Speaking to Gulf News, Ahmad Hashem Behroozian, CEO or RTA ­— which governs both general transportation in Dubai and school transport operations — said the existing School Bus Transport Manual will be modified and revised as part of the new master plan. “The study is in progress and changes will be implemented accordingly. International benchmarking will identify the best practices in school buses specifications and in applying them in school buses all over Dubai,” said Behroozian.

However, the proposed changes, the details of which are not yet available, will not come into effect immediately.

“The update of the rules and regulations governing school transportation will be done as part of the school transportation master plan study, and be updated and modified if needed. The law, however, is revised frequently to assure smooth transport for all students in Dubai,” said Behroozian.

Source : Gulf news