Dubai is embarking on a transformative pilot program that could redefine the daily school commute for thousands of families. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Yango Group and Urban Express Transport, is launching a shared, tech-enabled SUV service specifically for students aged 14 and above. This initiative directly targets the chronic congestion plaguing school zones, particularly in the Al Barsha education hub, where morning and afternoon traffic routinely spikes.
The operational model groups students from neighboring households, even those attending different schools, into luxury SUVs. Routes are meticulously mapped using real-time data and synchronized with school schedules, with a strict commitment to keeping each journey under 60 minutes. A central feature for parents is a dedicated application that provides live vehicle tracking and advanced notifications for precise pick-up and drop-off times, injecting a new level of predictability into hectic mornings.
Financially, the pilot is introduced at a special rate of Dh1,000 per student per month. The RTA estimates this pooled model could be approximately 15% more cost-effective than traditional school transport when factoring in fuel, time lost in traffic, and standard bus fees.
Safety and safeguarding are paramount concerns addressed by the initiative. All drivers undergo rigorous vetting, and vehicles are subject to stringent safety checks and continuous tech monitoring. Partner schools, including prominent institutions like Brighton College Dubai and Dubai American Academy, are actively involved in establishing protocols for age-appropriate seating and behavior. Simon Crane, Headmaster of Brighton College Dubai, emphasized the school’s close collaboration with providers to ensure the highest standards of student welfare.
While some parents express hesitation, preferring the ‘tried and tested’ traditional school bus, others see significant potential. Working parents highlight the promise of reduced stress and time savings. Traffic expert Thomas Edelmann of RoadSafetyUAE endorsed the scheme, noting that a single shared vehicle can remove up to 50 private cars from the road during critical peak hours, offering a substantial benefit to public congestion and sustainability. If successful, the RTA plans a city-wide expansion for the 2026-27 academic year.