School bus fee hikes unjustified, RTA says

Dubai: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has warned schools and transport companies not to use the new bus regulations as a pretext to increase their transport fees.

"Schools and school transport companies must not exploit the new school transport regulations to make individual financial gains as the amount required to modify a bus, to bring it in line with the specifications set by the RTA, is not hefty," Eisa Abdul Rahman Al Dossary, CEO of the RTA's Public Transport Agency, said.

Al Dossary also urged the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which controls schools in the emirate, to play a more active role in controlling such practices on part of the schools and the school transport companies.

The majority of the schools in Dubai have announced a transport fee hike from 60 to 100 per cent with effect from the next academic year starting in September, with the pretext that the new school bus regulations set up by the RTA would cost them a lot to modify buses to meet the set standards.

The RTA had last year launched the School Transport Regulations Manual making it compulsory for schools and the school transport companies to implement the required technical specifications, and the rules endorsed by Dubai Executive Council for the safety of school children.

After receiving complaints about the exorbitant hike in the school transport costs, Al Dossary held a meeting with Fatma Al Merri, CEO of KHDA Schools Agency to discuss the matter. Al Dossary said schools are exploiting the new bus transport safety regulations to increase the fee and it is unjustified.

"The amount that needs to upgrade a school bus to meet the requirements of the new rules ranges from Dh8,000 to Dh15,000 depending on the size and condition of the bus. This amount is a one-time investment to be made by the school if it owns the school bus, or by school transport companies," he noted.

He said it would be reasonable if the fee increase per pupil was assessed in the range of Dh250 to Dh500 maximum and for one time only. "We urge KHDA to look into the matter," he said.

Al Merri said: "We, at KHDA, are making our level best to support the efforts of RTA in implementing School Transport Regulations in the emirate as it provides crucial support to the educational drive towards realising its academic and social objectives, and helping pupils succeed in their studies."

Meanwhile, school and private transportation providers said transport fee increases are imperative to sustain the transportation service.

Transport: Regulation revisions

- Bus drivers must have a school permit as well as a driving licence
- Buses should be air conditioned.
- Buses should have a speed control system - maximum speed is 80km/h
- Buses with 16 seats must have an emergency exit on both sides
- No triple seats on either side
- Buses must have fire extinguishers and first aid kits
- Flasher system required for when the bus stops
- No iron bars on the windows
- Doors should be operated only by the driver
- Buses will be yellow.
- Buses must have a stop arm on the driver side

Have you witnessed a drastic increase in bus fee? Did you raise it with the concerned authorities? Do you think the safety standards are worth the price?

Your comments

We are suffering from this 100% hike since 2008 when GEMS group introduced one company for out sourcing school buses. Our two kids use this transport. I think interference of RTA in this matter will be able to reduce our burden.Hoping for the best.
Bhavna
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 16:50

This is absolutely a crucial act on parents by increasing the fees. Education should be considered as one of the social services not as a business. We all understand nothing u get free, but the relevant authorities has to take some intiation to give some kind of subsidery for the education which may reduce the burden of the parents monthly / yearly expenses. To my notion, Education should be free till reach the universities. Can anyone consider my ambitions to do that but i don't have enough asset to run it. Who knows what would be next?
Nagarajan.V
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 15:02

Excellent Move from RTA. My daughter is in KG2 in a private school in Al Qusais. the tranportation fee paid for 2008-2009 session, for the school owned transport was 2,500 PA.Now inorder to meet the RTA minimum standards school has outsourced a transportation company which is now charging AED 6,800/
Kashif
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 13:56

All schools learn from RTA to keep high price in the begining itself instead of increasing every now and then. Also like RTA have high price for inter emirates school transport. Like RTA dont allow pick up and sharing of cars, have a register and record it.
Siva
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 13:20

another statement, without any action. I have read and heard a lot of statements. Imagine last year I paid AED 300 for my daughter from one end of the community to the other end which is less then 2 minutes drive. The school (GEMS) has raised the transport fee to AED 900. This is outrageous, government offcials need to take some focus out of revnue generating business and give some conusmer rights. As I said yet again its just a statement. WE NEED CLEAR ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN. If we parents take an action by not sending a single student to the school for one month then of course the fee as well as these hikes will come down. WE NEED TO TAKE ACTION RATHER THEN EXPECTING OTHERS TO TAKE IT FOR US.
Emran
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 13:07

Yes, the bus fee was increased along with the tuition fee as the new year began in April 2009. It was a straight leap from Dhs.120 to Dhs. 250, under the banner of a private transport provider with greater facilities. Sadly, it's the end of the 1st semester [ 3 months after the fee was paid] and till now there is no information about either the said facilities or of the new bus. My daughter goes to school as usual in her school bus with the same old staff. RTA must make the check mandatory to ensure that the school adhere to the promises made.
Agniyah Shaikh
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 12:59

It is pathetic to note that school authorities and transport companies are considering the Transport Regulations as something totally new. They are basic safety standards. To think that they have been operating all this while without these safety features is insane. In fact it is the school authorities or transport authorities who must pay back the money to the parents for not being HUMANE enough to put these safety measures at the start for CHILDREN. In the same note we parents are also to blame for not ensuring these in the school buses. But, as we have no control over these factors it is definitely the authorities that should come to the rescue.
Y. Vipin Balakrishnan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 12:58

I'm happy to read today that RTA has pay some attention on this issue.we know how we r managing all this extra expense.pls advise them.
Raza
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 12:46

RTA took a great action against the money makers it's really appreciated. Well done (RTA) keep it up it's a right time to take action against the school managements those making unjustified money at this time. I also humbly request to KHDA please take serious action against them. As they increasing the transportation fee and tuition fee. Still my kids school bus is running without all of these facilities like no emergency exit and I'm sure no first aid kits, no flasher , iron bar on the windows no yellow color and with self operated doors. Hence it's clear now someone is there to ask questions to the School management.
Moin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 12:44

After the horrors of hearing kids dying after being left in buses, or run over by buses, RTA regulations are welcome and appropriate. But this is a wonderful opportunity for the sharks to fleece the parents. Parents complain to the school authorities, argue with the Transport Outsourcing Company, write to Gulf News - everything possible, and are still at the mercy of the Schools / Transport Companies, where is the place for the parents to complain against the already raised fees, against a particular school or company and get action taken. Much more to be done there - we are all screaming here - anyone listening please ! Or its just pray and wait for dawn?
Bindu Sathianesan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 12:27

i started studying in Our Own English High School in 1977 and finished my Metric in 1990, back then it was only our father who earned, and now its our turn to educate our children in the same schools and now with more or less both parents earning it simply is becoming impossible for them to continue paying school fees. My mom n dad used to scold us to bones when we failed a certain subject. i so pity those kids they are going to be under so much pressure for making it upto their parents. sigh!!
Afshan Aziz
Karachi,Pakistan
Posted: June 08, 2009, 12:16

What to say......we parents are left with no options except complaining to each other. The school managements are well aware of our helpnessness and they do exploit it. Is there anybody with an authority to control these businessmen?
Jossi John
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 12:04

I welcome RTA's move for taking notice of transportation fees hike .My son's transportation fees for the year 2009-2010 is doubled from 3500 to 6800 dhs a year. They're justification was 'made to follow the RTA rules'. Parents have no other choice .I appreciate RTA move.Thanx.
Mohammad Iqbal Seddiqi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 12:01

Yes, it is extortion. If bus companies want to cover the additional costs due to regulations, they should distribute it over the children rather than charging so much per child. This is profit making at the excuse of regulations. It's extortion especially during these times when people have other fixed costs (e.g., rent and school fees) to bear.
From A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 11:51

Great, who will order schools to decrease bus fees, its all public talking and I hope something will be done, for me I hired a special driver, believe me its cheaper.
Mohammad Al Hamadi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 11:50

My son is studying in Dubai and i ll have to pay for him 3500 for about 8 months of school if i m putting my other son is it not crazy to pay 7000 just as bus fees? There is no one to check on this just business every where
Noni Naveed
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 11:47

RTA should act like this and it must be practical. RTA is kindly requested also to check the seating status by stoping the bus near the school. There is no enough seat for our children in their bus.
Rathnakaran
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 11:39

It's a difficult time and we are all trying to spend less. My kids school has now outsourced their school bus service - which has increased by 60%. I have 3 kids at school and will now have to drop them and pick them up - thus increasing the traffic on the roads.
Matthew
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 11:35

The school authorities must revise the fare. Fuel price also was a reason to increase the price. but it is now lower than the last year. Don't utilize the helplessness of parents.
Latheef C. M.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 11:35

School has already informed us about the incease in transportation charges which is almost double to the previous amount. According to the school this is increase is approved by authorities. They also increased the tution money. What parents can do, no option.
Zuhoor Khattak
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 11:27

School bus departments have already collecting the increased bus fee from two months by now!!
Rita
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 11:14

We just received a circular from the school informing us of a 10% increase in the school fees. Now we get this news of hike in bus fees. This is ridiculous. Why do you penalise the parents for all this. We are going through a bad phase as it is. Is anybody listening?
Usha Rego
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 11:10

gems school last year doubled the transport fees, they told the school transport has been shifted to another company that is bright bus, the bus conductors were the same and also the drivers how that is possible, the school only might have formed a bus company and this way hiked the transport fees
Anil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 11:09

We are happy the Metro will be running by the next school year so that we no longer have to send our children by bus. We can then simply drop them off at the Metro station. Can the authorities please provide adult monitors on the Metro to keep our children safe during their ride to school and back home?
Louie Tedesco
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 10:56

School transport fees it is very high. increase the fees 100% percent.how can this be allowed. same bus nothing will change.try to do something for people
Mohammad Abdul Moiz
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 10:49

Please dont forget to add one alert bell to ring incase a child is sleeping in the bus and is left behind in the bus.
Sandra
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 10:41

the bus fees is definitely high...the schools are taking advantage of the fact that most of the parents cant drive their children to school everyday. only thinking about making money no concern for the parents hard earned money.
Sahar
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 10:02

my son's school increases the fees every three months by Dh50. But, we can't say anything because we need that transportation. we know its too much. but we don't have other option.
Harsha P. S.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 09:55

well done! some school management thinking no one is there to question their actions! we force to pay what they ask, after all it is for our children.
Abdul Jaleel
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 09:50

The RTA's justification is appreciated. But will the schools withdraw the bus fees hike which they have already implemented in most of schools since April 2009 (as most Indian schools start their academic year from April. The bus fee alone is increased from Dh175/- per month to Dh255/- (Ghusais-Oud Metha-Ghusais) since April on pretext of this new regulation. Though hike in this case is around 45 per cent it remains a burden on parents during this testing time of recession and job losses. Earlier on the pretext of Salik also an increase was imposed, wherein the bus does not even pass through Salik. Request the Authority to regulate and check this unwanted burden imposed on the parents.
Beena Nair
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 09:42

I hope GEMS schools reduce the fees which was more than doubled last year.. :(
Nelson
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 09:26

It is a welcome move from RTA, but what can a parent do incase the fees are already hiked? Will the authorities do something about the already hiked fees.
Siddharthi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 09:21

What RTA says is correct. This is an unwanted raise with no justification. Bus operators (who are also the owners of school) want to make money in the name of providing quality education and facility, which is not exactly true. We have already posted to RTA that RTA itself can provide school transport which the money will go to Govt instead of someone's bank a/c. I have even noticed that school bus carries more than the limited students or the maximum number of students allowed to be seated. Though Dubai or UAE residents are under mercy of such operators, we all urge the authorities to look into this before these people start to dictate.
Vijay
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 09:20

This is unjustifiable because on Jan 09 school have increased Transportation fee telling that: 1. Schools are no longer responsible for transport and thay have appointed new transport Co. 2. New said transport Co. increased fee saying this increase is to meet new rules imposed by RTA including GPS System. If every three months schools increase their fees and on other side transporting Co incease their fees, where will we end up. But one thing should be clear that we parents who works dont get salary hike every three months/ 6months nor the cost of living is decreasing. We request RTA and KHDA look upon this seriously.
RP
Dubai,U.A.E.
Posted: June 08, 2009, 09:19

It is useless to cry over spilt milk. RTA awake late. My kid's school bus fee has been increased 85%. I have already said to school's administration and written to Gulf News regarding rapid increase of bus fee. Regulation 11, 10
Tarek Jaafar
Fujairah,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 09:00

I had been informed by the school that the trasnport fees for the comming year will be increased but they dont know how much. I am already paying 405/-aed per month for one child return trip to Sharjah secound child should be joinging the school so i belive only transport cost will cost me around 8000/- for one acemedic year is it justified.
Moiib Al Haque
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 08:49

My children's bus fees raised to 70% from April 2009 onwards without any additional facilities. On the contrary, the bus is packed with 6 children in each seat instead of 3 and the A/C system not working, the bus is heavily infested by bedbugs and the situation is very bad, comparitively worst than even animal transports. I placed a complaint to the principal of and awiting a reply. Adding to our worries, the bus had broke down two occasions in the last two weeks leaving small children under the scortching sum at 1:30 Pm on the Emirates Road!!!
Yadunandanan K S
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 08:45

Yes, they increased the school fees from 150 Dhs to 250 Dhs . NO. Safefy standards are worth. Also for one way aslo they are chrging 250 Dhs earlier i am paying for one way 100 Dhs, really this is very burden for me at the present crisis.
Mohammad Rafei
Mussaffah,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 08:44

PLESAE NOTE THAT I WANT TO TELL THE CONCERNED PEOPLE THAT MY SON SCHOOL INCRESAE THE BUS FEES FROM 3200 TO 6800 PER YEAR WHICH IS NOT FAIR ALL THE BUS EXPENSESE IS ONLY FOR ONCE AND NOT FOR EVERY MONTH PLEASE DO THE NEED FUL THANX
Aisha Irfan
DUBAI,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 08:39

Yes - we were shocked when the latest invoice for school transport arrived from the transport company showing nearly a 100% cumulative increase since a year ago. It is outrageous. We complained to the school but were brushed off with the reasons given in your article.
Gary Busby
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 08:35

My daughters school fees were doubled last year on account of outsourcing. Does this mean that we have to shell out another Dh200 per month because of these new regulations. I respect the safety regulations of the RTA but do we as parents have to bear all these addiotnal expenses? We are already bearing an exhorbitant cost towards education.
Sony
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 08:21

My child's bus fee increased by 100% (within Dubai city).I think RTA should specify the fee for different locations, as RERA specified the house rent.
Mohammad Jahangir Kabir
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 08:21

For the amount we pay here for children education is as good as an excellent boarding school in India with all facalities .Wake up parents.
John
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 08:16

Drastic hike in bus fees is unjustifiable. I would request the RTA to operate parallel bus routes within the vicinity as is done in India, this will help older students to use RTA buses and reduce the monopoly of school transport system.
Lancy
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 08:09

In one of the schools, every three months the bus fee is going up. If the RTA take into strict action on all the school spl. in transport fee realy it will great helpfull.
Tasneem
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 08:02

Yes, The school management has taken their own decision on increasing the Transportation Fee. Just only a short distance also they charged 250-300 Dhs. We a group of Parents raised the issue, but there was no response and we are forced to pay it.
Joseph.P. Kadampanad, Adoor.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 07:50

It is very true that the schools and the Transport companies are taking advantage of the new regulations set by the RTA. The schools are giving this very reason on the circulars to the parents. They don't even allow us to meet the Principal or voice our concern. Only sending circulars for the past 6 months.Its like a torture. This school in Dubai has increased 100% in transport fees for the new accadamic year 2009-10. We really need strict regulations from the Authorities when they increase the fee and not allow the schools to take parents for a ride.
Paul Monteiro
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 07:48

I can't believe, seat belts are not part of the regulations.
Mandar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 07:31

Every one in UAE knows that this hike is too high to afford for low salaried people but still no action is taken yet!
SBV
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 07:30

Being a teacher, I appreciate the measures of the RTA in setting excellent measures for reigning in safety standards in school buses. By all means, safety of the children must be the first priority. Safety first!
Muqith Mujtaba Ali
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 06:55

It's really very painful to have an increased in school bus fee which is unjustified, my four children are studying in one of Dubai school and school management just sent the circular to increase the bus fee by 100% and no option either we have to pay this huge increased or arrange our own transport which is not possible for most of the parents. Of course the safety standards are worth the price but reasonably and apart from that school has sent another circular for increase in tuition fee, how the parents can bear this much huge cost just in one go. Ministry must take serious action and get involve handling this issue.
Sajid Khan
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 06:13

Can the out source buses (rental companies)after painting their buses yellow,can they do other trips or is it this bus is to be used only for school purpose ?
Hans Dsouza
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 08, 2009, 05:31

What is the use of a stop arm when the driver does not use it when the bust stops for pickup and drop and also rest of the drivers do not stop either. In fact in once incident I once saw a man come up near the bus door and slap the condutor of an Asian bus for stopping for dropping the kids. School bus is a big Joke in Dubai. Drivers of all other vehicles need to be educated about school buses and how to react to them.
Kiren David
Florida,USA
Posted: June 08, 2009, 01:12

I appreciate the steps taken by the RTA to control schools. Being an expatriate it helps us alot. Would lik to thank RTA....
Abu Bakr Abdul Aziz
Al-Ain,U.A.E.
Posted: June 08, 2009, 00:43