[Editor's Note: Stay updated with Khaleej Times' live blog on the US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional updates.]

In a recent initiative to support families dealing with distance learning, the STS Group in Dubai has revised its transport fee policies, offering a pro-rata adjustment for April. This move is part of a broader wave of support from various school operators across the UAE.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Additional Support from Other Operators

The STS Group, which operates over 4,000 buses serving more than 120,000 students across 95 schools in the GCC, has confirmed that adjustments will be made for parents who have already paid transport fees in advance.

In a circular to parents, STS Group stated, “We aim to clarify the situation following the disruption of on-site schooling. A pro-rata adjustment will be applied to the transport fees for April to account for the lack of scheduled services during this time.”

The company emphasized that “the adjusted amount will either be credited towards your next transport fee payment or your school tuition fees. Alternatively, a refund can be requested,” providing flexibility for families.

Steve Burnell, CEO of STS Group, remarked: “We understand the concerns families may have during this time and are committed to supporting our school communities responsibly. At the same time, we must manage our significant fixed operational costs to ensure that our fleet, technology, and teams are ready to safely resume services.”

He added that the organization prioritizes its people and safety standards: “Our responsibility goes beyond transport operations. We continue to support our drivers and frontline teams, maintain our fleet to high safety standards, and ensure all systems are fully operational. This allows us to resume services immediately and safely when in-person schooling resumes.”

This announcement aligns with similar measures taken by other school groups, including The Indian High Group of Schools and Woodlem Education, both of which have waived transport fees during the distance learning period.

“Families everywhere are facing uncertainty, and we recognize that many parents may be experiencing financial pressure due to the current regional circumstances,” stated Punit MK Vasu, CEO of The Indian High Group of Schools, in an interview with Khaleej Times.

“Parents will not be charged for any days during which distance learning is mandated by regulatory authorities,” he added, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to supporting its community.

The group operates a large transport network across Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates, employing bus captains, assistants, and maintenance staff.

“Every decision we make is based on our identity as a not-for-profit institution dedicated to serving the community,” Vasu affirmed. “In challenging times like these, it is vital for us to come together and support one another.”

The school operates one of the largest dedicated transport fleets in the UAE, covering multiple regions. Despite the financial implications of continued operational costs, the school remains committed to its decision.

“Parents will not be charged for any days during which distance learning is mandated,” Vasu reiterated.

“This decision reflects our commitment to our community,” he added. “Our Board of Trustees is dedicated to all stakeholders—students, parents, teachers, and non-teaching staff. We believe that a family stands together and ensures every member feels safe, valued, and can thrive. That is how we view our community: as a family that remains united, especially in tough times.”

Timely and Compassionate Support

Woodlem Education has described the adjustment as a “compassionate and timely measure” to assist families during this period.

“We believe education extends beyond classrooms. In trying times like these, our priority is to stand by parents and alleviate their concerns,” said Noufal Ahmed, Founder and Managing Director of Woodlem Education.

The organization noted that the waiver will only apply during the distance learning period and will be reassessed based on future developments.

The announcements come as schools across the UAE continue remote learning, with parents adjusting to home schedules while addressing additional cost concerns.

The group highlighted that this relief measure, following the shift to online learning, will benefit students in its “eight schools and two nurseries.”

Describing the decision as a responsibility to the community, Ahmed added, “We believe education goes beyond classrooms. In difficult times, supporting our parents and easing their worries is our priority. This is a small step to support the Woodlem family.”

He also mentioned that the situation will be closely monitored, and the decision will be reviewed based on further developments.

Operational Challenges for Transport Providers

Arab Falcon Bus Rental has highlighted the differences in operations between transport providers and school groups.

In an email to Khaleej Times, they explained that schools managing their own transport can offset costs through overall school fees, while outsourced transport companies depend solely on transport fees for operational sustainability, including fleet management, staffing, and compliance.

A senior manager explained, “School transport operations follow an annual fee model aligned with the academic year due to substantial fixed commitments, including buses, drivers, helpers, maintenance, insurance, and safety systems, which must be maintained regardless of daily usage.”

The spokesperson added that the company had mobilized its fleet and staff in anticipation of schools reopening on March 23, only to see the decision shift back to distance learning. “Despite this, all operational costs for the month had been committed and incurred, as our teams and resources remained fully ready and available,” they stated.

ALSO READ

• School transport refunds: Some UAE parents delay payments as learning continues online

• UAE schools stay online: What we know so far about return to in-person classes

• Indian schools in UAE to begin new academic year online as distance learning continues