Emirates Transport (ET), the largest provider of school transport in the UAE, has announced more than 18,000 of its bus drivers and supervisors have completed a comprehensive safety training programme ahead of the new academic year.

Focusing on their day-to-day duties and responsibilities, the training saw all of the drivers and bus supervisors undertake a wide variety of practical sessions to help them prepare and deal with any situations that may arise.

This included dealing with technical issues, conducting thorough bus inspections before every trip, how to drive safely in all weather conditions, and the importance of students’ welfare, firefighting, and the ‘Golden Rule’ of key dangers zones. They also gained an understanding of how to handle bus evacuation cases and emergencies, minimise accidents, and being able to communicate concisely with customers.

Furthermore, 7,610 buses have been rigorously inspected at ET’s 23 Service Centres across the country to ensure the vehicles are in perfect condition for the return to school. Between June and August, technical experts put in more than 26,000 working hours analysing all mechanical and electrical parts as well as safety systems, ensuring that all fleet vehicles adhere to schools’ and authorities’ strict regulations.

To help meet the high demand and ensure a smooth service, ET has hired 533 new bus drivers and 466 women bus supervisors for the new school year.

Emirates Transport CEO, Alex Rentier, said: “As the UAE counts down to the start of the new academic year, we have left no stone unturned when it comes to the safety of our students on our buses.

“As well as hiring extra staff, our bespoke training programme, aimed at our bus drivers and supervisors, has been the cornerstone of their development, reinforcing the importance of safe road practices. This knowledge will help them to not only provide seamless and efficient journeys but also enable them to be more confident when dealing with any potential situation.

“This training programme, allied with our extensive vehicle maintenance and inspection schedule means that Emirates Transport is perfectly prepared to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the nation’s children as they return to school.”