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29 March 2024

Parents confused by school bus agency's undertaking

The undertaking which was handed over to parents by the bus superintendents on Monday. (Supplied)

Published
By Sneha May Francis

Some parents of school-going kids are confused after Dubai’s School Transport Services (STS) handed them a new undertaking as regards bus drop-offs.

The undertaking states that children of Grades 4 to 6 may be dropped off even if no authorised individual is present to receive them at pick-up points.

“In the event that no authorised person is present to receive my child, I authorise STS to drop my child at the above point,” the undertaking reads.

The undertaking was handed over to parents by the bus superintendents on Monday.

“I understand that STS are not responsible for my child’s safety after he/she is dropped off from the bus,” it reads.

“I further undertake to indemnify the STS, the school or any of its affiliates, employees, directors, from and against any and all claims, losses and liability for damages, resulting under such circumstances,” it adds.

Apart from instructing parents/guardians to be present with their ID cards at the pick-up points, the undertaking also asks parents to take the onus of their child’s safety once they step out of the school bus.

“This is shocking,” asserted a parent who shared the note with Emirates24|7. “Earlier, if the parent/guardian were unable to reach the pick-up point on time, then the child would be taken back to the school, and kept there until their parents were able to collect them.

“Now they want us to authorize them to drop off the child even when there is no one to pick them up?”

Another parent, on condition of anonymity, said, “I can’t imagine how they would expect Grade 4 students to be responsible enough to step out of the bus and go home on their own.”

When Emirates24|7 contacted the STS chief Colonel Mohanlal Augustine, he maintained that the undertaking was optional.

“It is only an option,” he stressed, adding, “Parent[s] can opt not to sign.

“We have had parents requesting for it, so this is for those who think their children are responsible enough to do it.”

He highlighted that the undertaking is strictly for the older kids.

“And, in case, the parents don’t sign it, then the children will be taken back to the school during situations when their parents are unable to pick them up from the drop-off points.”

Talking about child safety, the STS chief informed that no parent/guardian is allowed to pick up the child if they don’t present the guardian ID card.

“Errors do happen. But if the card is not presented by the guardian and the parent is not available at the area, then we instruct the attendants to drive the children back to the school.”

Tackling the issue about shifting the responsibility of child safety when they step off the bus, he said, “We take all possible measures to ensure no untoward incident happens on the bus.”

STS operates 1,600 school buses and transports nearly 60,000 students to and from school every day.