22 Mar March 22, 2016 Mandatory GPS from April 1, modified 3+2 seating arrangement and ban on minibuses among changes RTA announced that the GPS will be mandatory for all school buses with effect from April 1. The capacity of school buses will be increased by allowing school managements or school transport providers to modify the seating of large school buses (more than 50 seats). They will be able to fit them with 2+3 seats under the condition that they are equipped with two fire extinguishers and two first aid kits as well as having two attendants. The 2+3 arrangements will help school buses carry up to 60 students unlike the current seating in some buses which is 2+2 and can carry up to 40 students. This means there will be fewer vehicles on the road. RTA’s ban of use of minibuses in school transport services due to safety and security implications came into effect from early this month. According to Adel Shakeri, director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency all minibuses are already off the road. School transport operators have welcomed RTA’s move to increase the capacity of buses and other changes. RTA issues safety and technical specifications for buses carrying schoolchildren, which include: Speed limitation to 80km/h Mandatory first aid kit Female attendants Mandatory first aid training for drivers and attendants Stop arms Since 2011, the number of pupils using school buses has increased by 14%, and the fatality rate has remained zero over the same period. Source: GN
