DUBAI // Parents have welcomed plans to allow them to check their child’s school bus journey via a new GPS tracking system, although some fear the cost of the new technology – to be fitted on to all Emirates Transport buses – would be passed on to them.
“I think this is a good idea provided there isn’t a dramatic increase in the cost of school fees,” said Shruti Kabra, an Indian who has two children who travel to different schools by bus.
“This system will be especially useful as we will be able to see where our children are, particularly if there is a delay due to traffic.”
Parents will be able to access the tracking information via a special website expected to be launched by the start of the next academic year, in September.
Mrs Kabra also welcomed plans to install cameras inside school buses.
“This is good because sometimes there are fights on board and hopefully it will deter any bad behaviour.”
For Ruchira Goyal, whose child attends Dubai Modern School, the focus should be on well-trained drivers.
“On the whole, the new system is a good one, but I don’t think parents will be using it that often,” she said.
“If they are happy with the way the driver drives the bus, then that is more important.”
Installing CCTV cameras on buses may be a step too far, she said.
“Maybe if the children know there are cameras on the bus they will be less relaxed on board,” she said.
