Students go green with their transport of choice

Going to school by bus is a popular choice among students, and many believe it helps the environment by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

If a typical school bus can accommodate almost 60 children, this means there will be 60 less private cars on the roads, said Amber Gabriel, a student at GEMS Our Own English High School, Dubai.

“Public transport is always a better option, and it’s a great thing that it reduces pollution. It also feels nice to be around with friends in the morning on my way to school,” Gabriel said.

Manail Fatima, a student at GEMS Westminster School, Sharjah, also believes reducing the number of cars on UAE roads can help eliminate air pollution.

“I use my school bus to go to school. It is true that if we use our own vehicle, getting to school would be much easier and faster as there wouldn’t be several stops and we wouldn’t have to wait for other children. However, we should also think about our environment and not just our own convenience.

“If everyone were to use their own vehicles, there would be a huge spike in air pollution that it would be almost difficult to breathe. Hence, I prefer public transport, like buses for school and for work,” Fatima said.

It is for the same reason that Dubai authorities have always discouraged people from using private cars. In fact, the emirate holds an annual Car Free Day, when residents are asked to leave their cars at home and use other transport means, such as the Metro, public buses, cycling, and walking.

A student at Delhi Private School in Sharjah, Dhiresh Himthani, said bus transportation is also the best choice for those who cannot be dropped off by their parents, especially if their homes are too far from the school.

He also agreed that such an option comes with environmental benefits.

“By using school buses, we are helping the environment as buses emit fewer pollutants than cars on per-kilometre travel. Using buses would also help students reach their schools earlier as traffic congestions can be avoided with fewer cars on the roads,” Himthani said.