Good measure for pupils' safety

This year we reported several cases of neglected schoolchildren on buses due to lack of supervision on the way to and from school. Since 2007 alone, at least 10 pupils have been killed in accidents involving schoolbuses. In one instance, a four-year-old died tragically because he was forgotten on the bus.

Dubai has taken the first step by announcing that starting September, every schoolbus will carry a supervisor on board. Not only this; all buses, whether owned by schools or rented, will be licensed by the Public Transport Agency to ensure the implementation of safety rules.

Other emirates should follow suit to improve the safety conditions of schoolbuses. This news will also come as a relief to parents who are having to pay a lot in schoolbus fees just to transport their children to and from school. The least they should get in return is a guarantee that their young ones will always be accompanied by a qualified supervisor.