Muscat – Ministry of Education (MoE) has issued an urgent directive requiring all public and private schools to implement enhanced safety and security measures on school buses.

Released on October 13, the circular follows the School Education Law to ensure that students are provided safe transportation between their homes and schools. A ministry official said all school administrations must take immediate steps to comply with the new safety protocols.

Under the directive, bus operators must instal an engine stop button at the rear of each vehicle and display safety awareness posters on both sides of the bus within two months. Schools must also record student attendance during the first class every day and promptly inform parents through official channels if a student is absent. This task will be handled by a designated team within the school administration.

MoE instructed the school safety, security and health committees to hold regular meetings with bus drivers throughout the academic year to reinforce safety procedures. Committees must also run awareness programmes for students, carry out routine inspections of school buses, ensure windows are not tinted, and no curtains or iron bars are installed.

Bus drivers have been told to keep windows open after dropping off students to maintain ventilation. MoE further directed schools to monitor bus operations during arrival and departure times, assigning staff on a rotational basis to inspect vehicles and ensure compliance.

Educational directorates in all governorates have been ordered to form monitoring teams to oversee implementation of these requirements and to submit quarterly reports to the ministry.

Officials said the measures are aimed at promoting the culture of safety in school transport and protecting students’ wellbeing.

Key Highlight: School Bus Safety and Security Protocol

1. Before departure

• Conduct daily bus inspections
• Ensure first aid kits and fire extinguishers are available
• Adhere to the approved number of students per bus
• Follow the designated time and assembly point
• Close the vehicle door before starting the trip

2. While the bus is in motion

• Observe legal speed limits and traffic regulations
• Do not smoke or use mobile phones while driving
• Stop only on the right side of the road when necessary

3. Upon arrival

• Drop off students at the designated area near the school
• Ensure all students have disembarked and the bus is empty
• Remove keys from the ignition before leaving the vehicle
• Keep upper windows open for ventilation