Dubai has launched a new plan to improve traffic flow in the emirate, with a focus on encouraging school students to use school transport. It is estimated that this plan could lead to a 13% improvement in traffic flow around schools. UAE resident Farah Shah highlighted the impact of schools on traffic, noting that during school breaks, traffic tends to be much lighter. Encouraging parents to use school buses by reducing costs and promoting the benefits is seen as a key strategy to address traffic congestion.
While some parents prefer the convenience of the school run over using the school bus, citing high costs and long commute times as deterrents, others prioritize the quality time spent with their children during the commute. Working mother Zeina Haddad, who spends two hours a day on the road for drop-offs and pick-ups, values the bonding time with her children during the commute and is not willing to switch to a school bus service due to various reasons, including costs and time constraints.
The traffic flow plan approved by the Executive Council aims to ease traffic congestion around schools but it remains to be seen when it will be implemented. For parents like Mini Ilyas, factors such as after-school activities and varying pick-up times for multiple children need to be considered when designing a school bus system. Simi’s experience post-Covid led her to organize a carpool with other parents on the same street to save money and time on transportation.
For parents like Zeina, a school bus service would be more appealing if it is cost-effective and ensures quick transportation for their children. Mini highlighted the importance of having provisions in place for children involved in after-school activities, suggesting that a flexible school bus system that caters to varying pick-up times would be a favorable option for parents. Overall, the success of the traffic flow plan and the adoption of school bus services will require collaboration between authorities, school bus operators, and parents to address the challenges and preferences of families in Dubai.
