Dubai: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to launch a new pilot initiative on school transport pooling during the first quarter of 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to advance a smart and sustainable transport system and enhance the efficiency of daily mobility for school students, in collaboration with Yango Group and Urban Express Transport.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement follows the signing of two memoranda of understanding by RTA with the two companies to pilot the implementation of the initiative. Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, signed the memoranda of understanding on behalf of RTA. Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Group, signed on behalf of the company, while Dr. Mohammad Al Hashimi, Founder and CEO of Urban Express Transport, signed on behalf of Urban Express Transport.
Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan stated that a noticeable increase has been observed in the number of private vehicles used to transport students to and from schools, which directly affects traffic flow around school zones. Through this initiative, RTA aims to offer an alternative school transport solution at affordable rates, helping to improve traffic movement and deliver a more efficient daily mobility experience.
He added that the pilot initiative will be implemented in accordance with the highest approved safety and security standards governing school transport, and in full compliance with the regulatory and legislative frameworks in force across the Emirate. The initiative will incorporate smart technological solutions for trip management, vehicle tracking, and operational monitoring, ensuring efficiency and service quality for parents and students alike.
Bahrozyan further explained that the initiative involves the operation of shared buses serving multiple schools located within defined geographic zones, contributing to faster student arrival times and playing a key role in improving traffic flow around school areas across Dubai. He emphasized that the initiative aims to explore innovative school transport models based on the principle of pooling, supporting better vehicle utilization, reducing traffic congestion during peak hours, and raising safety and quality standards in student transport services.
He concluded that the pilot represents a step change towards developing new models for school transport in Dubai. It will pave the way for assessing outcomes, measuring operational and societal impact, and studying the potential for wider rollout in the future, thereby reinforcing Dubai's position as a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility solutions.
Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Group, noted that school transport is one of the most complex and congested daily mobility challenges in any city. Through this pilot with RTA, a data-driven school transport pooling model is being introduced, grouping students travelling along similar routes into shared buses operating on optimized routes and schedules. By improving route planning, vehicle utilization, and real-time operational oversight, the initiative aims to reduce peak-hour traffic pressure, enhance service reliability, and deliver a safer, more affordable, and more convenient experience for families.
Dr. Mohammad Al Hashimi, Founder and CEO of Urban Express Transport, expressed pride in supporting this strategic school transport optimization project in collaboration with RTA. The initiative aims to reduce congestion, improve bus utilization, and enhance the daily travel experience for students. Through innovative approaches such as school bus pooling and flexible services, the initiative contributes to safer, more affordable, and sustainable mobility solutions in line with Dubai's long-term transport vision.