DUBAI - Parents of students of various schools of Gems group, which will outsource school bus services from the new academic year, have called for a meeting of the new transport company, parents and school authorities to discuss safety issues and transport fee increases.
Nearly 100 parents from different Gems schools in Dubai have started an online campaign opposing the changes to be implemented by the schools from August 31. In a chain mail, parents stated their main concerns were the safety of children and the exorbitant fee increases.
They have pressed for a meeting with the new transport company, Bright Bus Transport, and said there has been no response from the school authorities to their request for a meeting, despite sending out numerous letters.
In April this year, Gems announced that it would outsource operation of buses of the 16 schools in the emirate to an external company due to the "rising transportation costs". While transportation fee increases in its mid-market, mostly Indian curriculum, schools range from Dh200 to Dh270 from the earlier Dh120 to Dh180, the upmarket international schools have hiked rates between Dh600 and Dh800 from the previous Dh350 to Dh400.
"We request the school authorities to call us for a joint meeting so that we can put forward our concerns, especially the safety of our children. If the school would openly discuss these issues and assure us personally that our children would be in safe hands, it would alleviate our concerns to a large extent," said Anu Zacharia, parent of a child studying in Kindergarten Starters.
Parents said they needed more clarity on issues like a helpline to contact when buses are delayed, apart from safety aspects. Mohammed Aly, parent of a child of Our Own English High School, said while the transport fee increase is justified, the exorbitant hike is unreasonable. He hoped that the school management would reconsider its decision.
Col Augustine, director of administration and education secretariat of Gems, said they have sent letters to parents informing them of the increases. He emphasised that schools would retain the responsibility of the health and safety of children. He added, "We are ready to hold a meeting according to the convenience of parents."
By Preeti Kannan (Our staff reporter)