MPs yesterday unanimously approved an urgent proposal calling for stricter oversight of school buses transporting children to public and private schools.
The move, submitted by five MPs, led by Strategic Thinking Bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen, requires the installation of surveillance cameras on all buses and the assignment of an attendant to ensure students travel safely and disembark on arrival.
The measure has been formally referred to the Cabinet for review.
Dr Al Dhaen said the proposal was driven by recent concerns from parents and educators regarding student safety during daily school commutes.
“School transportation is not simply a vehicle journey – it is an extension of the educational environment and, therefore, it must meet the highest standards of safety, discipline and care,” she emphasised during the session.
She warned that negligence in student supervision inside buses has led to serious incidents in several countries, ranging from children being forgotten inside vehicles to behavioural violations or unsafe actions by drivers and supervisors. A child recently died in Bahrain after being left onboard a vehicle belonging to an unregistered driver.
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