The Provision of School Transport Services in the UAE-How Can Schools Minimise Liability?

Analysis

The unfortunate, and avoidable death of a three-year-old girl abandoned in a school bus in October last year, and the subsequent closing of the school involved, should serve as a salient lesson to those involved in the provision of school transport services. Schools must consider their potential liabilities with respect to the transport services provided to their students and ensure that the private companies they have contracted with for transport services are complying with the law.

Schools in the UAE must be aware that the organisation of school bus transport services for their students is subject to specific regulations.

-In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority have issued the School Transport Guiding Manual (pursuant to Dubai Local Order No. 2/2008) which "establish[es] the responsibilities of school managements, operators, school bus drivers, students and parents" with respect to school transport.

-In Abu Dhabi, school transport services are regulated by the provisions set forth in Abu Dhabi Decision No. 35/2012.

(The Regulations)

A breach of the Regulations may result in the schools and their personnel being exposed to both criminal and civil liability.