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Schools welcome RTA regulations

Several schools in Dubai welcomed the new regulations by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to enhance the safety requirements in school buses.

The guidelines are set to improve existing security measures.

Maryam Syed Salahuddin from ETA Star Education System, which manages four schools, says there are many changes taking place in the transport system of schools.

“We have outsourced the school transport to a specialised company approved by RTA but we still ensure that all our buses have female bus attendants,” said Maryam, Operations Manager at ETA Star Education System. At the Star International School in Mirdiff, female teaching assistants at the school travel with students in school buses. Most of our children know the teaching assistant’s and they know the staff,” added Maryam.

“The various initiatives by RTA have helped us enhance the safety of school kids travelling on school buses,” said Maryam. However she also hinted that the schools need more time to implement any new guidelines.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, ML Augustine, managing director of School Transport Services (STS) which provides transport services to several schools in Dubai, said: “We work as per the guidelines provided in the School Transport Manual published by the RTA and any new rules would require time for operators to implement them.” STS had earlier announced the installation of CCTV cameras on all its buses. Over 600 buses will have CCTV security when schools re-open after the summer break.

“We believe that the children should have the safest travelling environment but there are financial implications for any reforms. Most buses have school curtains now and we will have to remove them and install window films,”

Currently, the RTA provisions require bus attendants to receive mandatory training following which they receive a work permit.

While many schools have started hiring female bus attendants, the low cost schools may face challenges in implementing the new rules.

Syed Mirza Ghalib, Principal of Central School, Dubai, cited that the guidelines need to be communicated to individual schools officially.

“We have not received any information from any regulatory body till now and we do not know if we have to hire female bus attendants. If there is any circular from the authorities, we will take the necessary action to comply with the regulations,” said the principal. Hiring new staff generally requires a school to invest in immigration procedures, RTA training and staff accommodation, as the entire process can take over three months. Without a definitive deadline, schools lacking financial resources may find it difficult to comply with the rules.

While the guidelines require school buses to do away with curtains and safety rods, the extreme temperatures are a cause of concern for several parents as window tints may not provide the same cooling effect.

Fatima Khan sends her daughter to school every morning at 7.30am. She says the air-conditioning in buses will not be effective once the curtains are removed.

“It is disturbing to know that the authorities will remove the curtains in school buses. These buses are already jam-packed and the curtains provide some relief to kids who travel daily during the day,” said Fatima.

Another parent, Khadija Sharif echoed similar views as she said, “It is already very hot and there is still some more time for the schools to close. Without curtains, the children will not be comfortable travelling to school.”

muaz@khaleejtimes.com

RULES TO BE FOLLOWED

· All the buses should have female attendants.

· Window bars and curtains are strictly prohibited.

· The windows shall be tinted at 30% (previously 50%).

· All new buses should have anti-lock braking system.

· All drivers and attendants should be trained approved by RTA.

· The colour of the bus must be yellow.

· ‘School Bus’ should be written on all four sides of the bus in both Arabic and English in big bold letters.

· All the buses should be equipped with electronic stopping arm to be installed behind the driver’s door.

· The arm should be equipped with red flashers to alert traffic when the bus stops.

· This should slide open only from above and only up to 10cms.

· All buses should be air-conditioned, with temperature not three degrees more or less than 21 degrees Celcius.

· Buses should not be more than 15 years old.

· A system of mirrors reflecting all four sides of the bus should be in place.

· The central aisle of the buses should be free and foldable seats should not be used.

· The number of students in the bus should not exceed the number seats provided by the bus manufacturer.

· All seats should have proper seat belts

No armrests, ashtrays, sharp edges or any other metallic rods are allowed.

· The central passageway should be covered with a layer of non-slippery and anti-inflammable material.

· Every bus should contain a first aid kit and six-kg fire extinguisher.

· Every bus should have at least three emergency exits, which should be clearly marked.

· The new buses should have seats with backs as high as 71cm. The seats should be made of shock absorbing and • fireproof material.

· All the doors should open electronically and the control should be with the driver.