Dubai is embarking on a comprehensive plan to alleviate traffic congestion within the emirate, with a particular focus on mitigating the impact of school-related traffic.
Easing traffic congestion in Dubai
Among the proposed measures is the development of a policy aimed at encouraging students to utilize school transportation, which authorities believe could lead to a significant 13% improvement in traffic flow around educational institutions.
Implementation Challenges and Collaboration
The influence of schools on traffic patterns is palpable, particularly during breaks when traffic noticeably diminishes. Farah Shah, a resident of the UAE, underscores this correlation, suggesting that a substantial portion of traffic congestion stems from parents chauffeuring their children to and from school. To address this issue, she advocates for initiatives to incentivize parents to opt for school buses, such as supporting bus companies in reducing costs and actively promoting the benefits of this mode of transportation.
However, despite the potential benefits, some parents remain reluctant to embrace school bus services. Zeina Haddad, a working mother, expresses reservations due to concerns over the extended commute times and the financial burden, with costs exceeding Dh10,000 per child annually. Moreover, she highlights the emotional value of personally driving her children to school, viewing it as an opportunity for bonding amidst a busy schedule.
The Executive Council has endorsed the traffic flow plan, but the implementation timeline is still unclear. Nonetheless, its success hinges on collaborative efforts between authorities and school bus operators to persuade more parents to transition to school bus usage.
Considering the school bus option, afterschool activities pose another challenge for parents. Mini Ilyas recounts her initial reliance on the bus service, citing its convenience when she had a young baby and no car. However, as her children grew older and became more involved in various extracurricular activities, she found the inflexibility of the bus schedule problematic.
Similarly, Simi faced challenges post-pandemic when her children's bus commute became excessively long. Frustrated by the lack of responsiveness from the bus company, she took matters into her own hands, organizing a carpooling arrangement with other parents to optimize transportation efficiency and reduce costs.
For Zeina and Mini, the feasibility of using the school bus hinges on factors like affordability, efficiency, and flexibility. Zeina emphasizes the importance of quick and cost-effective transportation, especially considering her work commitments. She suggests that bus services offer discounts for families with multiple children to enhance affordability.
Mini echoes the sentiment, expressing willingness to opt for the school bus if it accommodates her children's after-school activities. Flexibility in transportation arrangements beyond standard pick-up times would be a decisive factor for her.
While Dubai's traffic alleviation plan offers promising solutions, addressing the complexities of school-related transportation requires a multifaceted approach. Balancing affordability, convenience, and flexibility is crucial in incentivizing parents to embrace school bus services, ultimately contributing to a smoother traffic flow and improved quality of life for residents.