Dubai has introduced a new demand-based school transport pilot programme aimed at reducing peak-hour congestion in some of the city’s busiest school zones, starting with Al Barsha and nearby neighbourhoods.
The pilot focuses on areas where traffic bottlenecks and limited parking space cause severe pressure during school drop-off and pick-up times. Officials confirmed that the programme will be rolled out in phases, with future expansion dependent on demand, route feasibility, and regulatory approvals.
Schools Included in the Pilot Phase
According to Dr Al Hashimi, a wide range of schools in the Al Barsha area are participating in the initial phase of the pilot. These include:
Al Mawakeb School Al Barsha, American School of Dubai, Bloom World Academy, Brighton College Dubai, Dubai Heights Academy, Dubai International Academy, Dubai Schools Corporation schools, multiple GEMS Education schools, Kings School Al Barsha, Nord Anglia International School, Repton Al Barsha, Safa Community School, along with other nearby educational institutions.
How the Transport System Works
Unlike traditional school buses that follow fixed routes, the new service operates using demand-based routing. Once students are registered, those living in the same neighbourhoods are grouped together and transported in shared SUV vehicles.
Routes and schedules are planned in advance to align with school start and finish times and are monitored in real time to ensure efficiency. Vehicles are assigned to designated parking zones that serve multiple neighbouring schools, helping to eliminate unnecessary detours and keep journey times within a maximum limit of 60 minutes.
Pick-up and drop-off points are selected based on neighbourhood clusters and proximity to students’ homes. During the pilot phase, routes and stops may be adjusted based on operational performance and feedback from parents and schools.
Pricing and Subscription Model
During the pilot phase, the service is offered exclusively on a monthly subscription basis, with online payments only. Introductory pricing ranges from Dh800 to Dh1,000 per month.
A pay-as-you-use option is not currently available, as consistent attendance is essential to maintain efficient vehicle pooling. However, officials indicated that term-based subscription plans may be evaluated in future phases, subject to feasibility and regulatory approval.
