RTA's Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has signed contracts with seven schools in Dubai to transport about 2,500 students on board its 111 newly designed school buses starting from the upcoming academic year 2015/16. Accordingly, the schools will be awarded the Official School Transporter certificate.

"Following intensive media campaigns and field visits to schools in Dubai to enlighten them about our school transport service, 35 schools expressed interest in signing up for the RTA school transport service, said Ahmad Al Suwaidi, CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation.

"The early results culminated in the signing of agreements with seven schools.”

Al Suwaidi added, "The new buses have been fitted with the latest technologies and smart services considered the first of their kind in the Middle East including CCTV cameras for the safety and security of students. The body of the bus has been integrated with passengers' cabin rendering it stronger and more protected against major collision accidents. An SMS service will be in operation informing parents about the safe arrival of their wards, and the buses are fitted with tracking system using GIS technology as well as Wi-Fi service for interested schools.”

Another important feature of the buses is a hydraulic suspension system for the convenience of disabled students using wheelchairs that allows them to get in and off a ramp with ease.

"A remote system for control and monitoring will also be operational through the Control Centre at the Fleet Operations Department at the DTC, using environment-friendly technologies,” said Al Suwaidi.

Mohammad Abu Bakr Al Hashemi, Director of School Transport, DTC, said: "This service is being provided to schools and colleges using high-quality buses at the highest standards of the transportation industry worldwide. Moreover, highly experienced professional bus drivers and attendants will be deployed on these buses.”

A ceremony was held to mark the signing of agreements with the seven schools at RTA's head office in the presence of Ahmad Al Suwaidi, CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation, and other officials.
Source: Gulf News