School transport fees in several UAE schools are set to rise by 3 to 5 percent for the 2026-2027 academic year. Transport providers and school officials have attributed the hike primarily to increasing fuel prices and operational costs.

Parents of students at GEMS Winchester School in Dubailand, which utilizes STS Group bus services, have been informed of a 5 percent increase in transport fees. In an email to families, the company stated that the price adjustment is essential to maintain safety standards, reliability, and service quality. Parents were also requested to re-register by July 24 for the upcoming academic year to secure their children's seats on the bus.

Similarly, Delhi Private School Dubai has increased its transport fees by approximately 3 to 4 percent for the new term. School management noted that the past few months have been challenging for schools and service providers due to significant fuel price hikes, but they have attempted to keep the increase as limited as possible.

However, STS Group emphasized that the increase will not be applied uniformly across all contracted schools. Transport fees for each school will be determined based on specific contracts, routes, operational requirements, and individual agreements between the transport company and school management.

The rise in school bus fares adds to the financial considerations for families, alongside tuition fees, uniforms, textbooks, and extracurricular activities in their back-to-school budgets. Parents are advised to verify the new rates, payment terms, route coverage, and booking deadlines directly with their respective schools or transport providers before registration.