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Panel begins inspection of school transport

The School Transport Executive Committee in the emirate of Abu Dhabi on Monday began its field visits to inspect school transportation systems to ensure that safe, sustainable, convenient and quality services are provided for students during their daily trips between home and school.

Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) reiterated that ensuring students’ safety in their learning environment is a top priority for the council.

She emphasised the fact that this is a shared responsibility among all relevant government organisations, service providers, community members, parents and students themselves.

Dr Al Qubaisi also confirmed that the council, in its capacity as a regulatory body, is closely working with all stakeholders to ensure effective application of all security and safety procedures, especially in school transportation services.

She also highlighted the importance of raising the level of awareness among workers and community members in order to achieve the top priority objective, which is getting students to school and back to their homes in safety and comfort.

She noted that the inspection visits organised by the Executive Committee are part of the efforts of stakeholders to ensure that all government entities and service providers are engaged in regulatory, executive and supervisory roles.

Guaranteeing students’ safety and security does not only depend on the applied measures and policies, but it also depends on the awareness of students, their parents and other members of the community.

Dr Al Qubaisi also stressed the importance of educating children to be cautious and adhere to the safety measures while ensuring not only their own safety but also the safety of their fellow students.

Brigadier Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, Director of Traffic and Patrols and Chairman of the School Transport Executive Committee, called on transport operators and supervisors to abide by the newly introduced school transport regulations to address all students’ safety and security requirements, and to reassure parents on the safety of their children.

This is a highly important social responsibility, he said, stressing the fact that legislation strictly stipulates that schools shall appoint qualified and well-trained supervisors in safety and security procedures to accompany students on their daily trips and monitor and uphold discipline during the whole journey starting from pick-up to drop-off.