Families preparing for the new academic year could pay between Dh3,500 and more than Dh10,000 annually for each child using a school bus, depending on the school and travelling distance.
Some transport operators have increased their charges because of higher fuel, maintenance and staffing expenses. Late registrations and growing demand from newly developed residential communities are also making route planning more difficult.
Parents have several alternatives. A school ride-pooling pilot in Al Barsha groups children from the same neighbourhood even when they attend different schools. The service currently costs Dh1,000 a month.
Shared minibuses used by university students and teachers average approximately Dh500 a month, or about Dh12 for each journey. Community-based carpool services can reduce costs further, with families generally sharing only fuel expenses.
Older pupils may use discounted public transport. A journey using a student nol card can cost as little as Dh3.75, although travel times and the distance between stations and schools should be considered.
Authorities are conducting a 30-day school-bus inspection campaign, while additional patrols and traffic wardens are expected near schools when classes resume.