As the new academic year 2026–2027 approaches, Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) has enhanced its readiness to ensure the provision of safe and reliable school transport services for students through a comprehensive range of regulatory, training and supervisory measures, in coordination with all stakeholders involved in the Emirate’s school transport system.
RAKTA’s preparations include conducting training and qualification workshops for school bus drivers and supervisors, organising coordination forums and meetings with school transport operators and schools, and ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and approved standards for buses, drivers and supervisors. The preparations also include intensifying inspection campaigns and field visits to verify compliance with safety standards and operational readiness requirements.
Qualifying Drivers and Supervisors and Enhancing Safety Awareness
As part of its preparations for the new academic year, RAKTA has conducted a series of training, qualification and awareness programmes for school bus drivers and supervisors, aimed at enhancing their readiness and raising awareness of their responsibilities and the procedures related to student safety during school journeys.
The training programmes cover various safety-related aspects, including safe practices when operating buses and interacting with students, procedures to be followed in emergency situations, as well as the importance of complying with the regulations and requirements governing school transport activities.
Strengthening Coordination with Operators and Schools
RAKTA is also committed to strengthening cooperation and coordination with school transport operators and schools across the Emirate through forums and meetings aimed at reviewing academic-year readiness requirements, raising awareness of approved regulatory requirements and procedures, and discussing operational observations and challenges.
These meetings contribute to strengthening integration between RAKTA, operators and schools and ensuring a unified understanding of requirements and procedures, thereby supporting the readiness of the school transport system at the start of the academic year.
Verifying Bus Readiness and Compliance with Licensing Requirements
RAKTA continues to verify the readiness of school buses and their compliance with approved technical requirements and safety standards, while ensuring the validity of the necessary licences and permits for buses, drivers and supervisors before they commence their duties.
The Authority also emphasises the importance of school transport operators complying with approved regulatory and operational requirements to ensure a safe and suitable transport environment for students throughout the operating period.
Intensifying Inspection Campaigns and Field Monitoring
As part of its regulatory and supervisory role, RAKTA is intensifying inspection campaigns and field visits to verify the readiness of school buses, assess operators’ compliance with approved requirements and standards, identify observations and address them in accordance with established procedures.
Inspection and monitoring activities focus on bus readiness and the safety of their equipment, as well as drivers’ and supervisors’ compliance with the requirements and regulations governing school transport. This contributes to strengthening discipline and enhancing operational efficiency.
Statement by Mr. Mohammed Hashem, Director of Transport Licensing Department at RAKTA
Mr. Mohammed Hashem, Director of Transport Licensing Department at Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, said:
“RAKTA’s preparations for the new academic year reflect its commitment to ensuring the readiness of the school transport system and enhancing the safety and reliability of services provided to students. These preparations include a comprehensive range of measures, including qualifying drivers and supervisors, strengthening coordination with operators and schools, verifying bus readiness and compliance with licensing requirements, as well as intensifying inspection and monitoring activities.”
He added:
“We emphasise the importance of integrated efforts among RAKTA and its partners, including operators, schools, drivers and supervisors, in implementing safety requirements during school journeys. We will continue to monitor compliance in the field and address observations in accordance with approved procedures, contributing to the provision of safe and reliable school transport services that meet the needs of students and their parents.”
Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority continues to develop the school transport system by strengthening supervision, training and coordination with its partners, including operators and schools. These efforts support service readiness and reinforce the highest standards of safety and reliability as the new academic year begins.
