Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority will roll out a new pilot programme for pooled school transport in the first quarter of 2026, aiming to cut congestion around schools while offering families a safer and more efficient commuting option.
The initiative is being developed in partnership with Yango Group and Urban Express Transport following the signing of two memoranda of understanding. The pilot forms part of RTA’s broader strategy to strengthen smart and sustainable transport solutions across the emirate.
Under the programme, shared buses will serve multiple schools within defined geographic zones. By grouping students travelling along similar routes, the model is designed to reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads during peak hours and improve traffic flow around school areas.
Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said the rising use of private cars for school travel has placed increasing pressure on traffic networks. He noted that the pooling initiative will provide an affordable alternative that complies fully with Dubai’s regulatory and safety standards.
The pilot will incorporate smart technologies for trip management, vehicle tracking, and operational monitoring. These tools are intended to enhance efficiency, ensure service quality, and provide parents with greater visibility and confidence.
Yango Group said the project introduces a data-driven approach to one of the city’s most complex daily mobility challenges, focusing on optimised routes, real-time oversight, and improved vehicle utilisation. Urban Express Transport highlighted the initiative’s role in supporting safer, more sustainable school transport aligned with Dubai’s long-term mobility vision.
RTA said the pilot will be closely assessed to measure its operational and social impact, with findings expected to inform potential wider implementation across Dubai.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
