Sharjah, UAE — For many parents in Sharjah, the daily school commute is a significant source of stress and concern. Long bus rides are affecting students’ health and well-being, as evidenced by the experiences of local families like that of nine-year-old Naya Osama.
Naya, a Grade 4 student, endures a grueling two-hour commute each day, covering just over 5 kilometers from her home in Al Nad to her school in the University City Road Industrial Area 6.
Naya’s mother, Rehab Abdullah, expresses her frustration: “Her school is 5.6km away, and we pay Dh5,500 for the bus service. But the long ride is the real issue. The bus takes nearly two hours because it has to pick up other children along the way. As a working mother, I can’t handle the school runs myself, so the bus is our only option.”
Naya’s school day ends at 4:00 pm, but she doesn’t get home until around 5:30-6:00 pm due to the slow return trip.
Health Implications of Long Commutes
The lengthy bus rides are not just inconvenient; they also pose significant health risks for children.
Dr. Sharafeldin Ibrahim, a specialist in orthopedic surgery at Burjeel Day Surgery Center, highlights the physical and psychological toll these commutes can have: “Prolonged sitting on school buses can lead to muscle stiffness, back pain, and poor posture.
Children may also experience fatigue and lack of concentration in class, which can negatively impact their academic performance.”
In addition to physical discomfort, long commutes can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) for children who are unable to use the restroom during their journey.
Dr. Ignatiius Edwin D’souza, consultant pediatrician at Thumbay University Hospital, explains: “Extended urine retention can cause bladder distension and promote bacterial growth, leading to infections. Additionally, prolonged sitting and limited access to toilets can worsen constipation, further increasing the risk of UTIs. Motion sickness can also cause nausea and vomiting during long bus rides.”
Parental Struggles
For many parents, the school bus is the only viable option due to work schedules and logistical challenges. Nighat Waheed, whose daughter Aiza is in Year 8, faces a similar situation. Aiza’s bus journey, which covers 15 kilometers, can take up to three hours.
“In the morning, Aiza’s bus arrives at around 5:20 am, and she has to wait until school starts at 7:15 am. The return trip from Al Qusais to Sharjah takes about an hour, but traffic congestion, especially on Al Ittihad Road, often causes delays,” says Nighat.
Nighat, who spends Dh4,000 annually on transportation, notes that her daughter often falls asleep on the bus due to exhaustion.
Despite considering driving Aiza to school herself, Nighat was informed by the school that both pick-up and drop-off services are mandatory, making the bus the only feasible option.
Safety Concerns
The issue of safety is also a significant concern. Naya’s mother, Rehab, is worried about her daughter being forgotten on the bus.
“I tell her to stay awake during the ride, but she often dozes off because she is so tired. She comes home exhausted, has little time to eat, and rushes through her homework before bed,” she adds.
Similarly, Nighat expresses her anxiety about the safety of her daughter during the long commute. “The long bus ride not only affects their health but also raises concerns about their safety and well-being during the journey,” she says.
Potential Solutions
Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. One potential solution is improving the efficiency of school bus routes to minimize travel time.
Schools and transportation authorities could collaborate to optimize bus schedules and reduce the number of stops along the route, which would shorten travel times for all students.
Another approach could be exploring alternative transportation options, such as carpooling or school-run shuttles that offer more direct routes. These options could help alleviate some of the burden on families and reduce the strain on students.
Community Impact
The long commutes are not just a personal issue; they affect the broader community as well. Parents’ work schedules, the need for additional childcare, and the impact on students’ academic performance all contribute to the overall strain. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the well-being of both students and their families.
In conclusion, the long school bus commutes faced by Sharjah families highlight a pressing issue that affects many students’ health and daily lives.
By addressing these challenges through improved transportation solutions and increased awareness of the health risks, the community can work towards a more manageable and supportive environment for all students.
As Sharjah continues to grow, ensuring that transportation solutions keep pace with the needs of its residents will be essential in fostering a healthier and more balanced lifestyle for students and their families.