By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter www.gulfnews.com
The school management arranged the Metro trip for its pupils as part of its campaign to educate students about the Metro and the benefits of the integrated public transport system being developed by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority as an alternate mode of commuting and to reduce traffic congestion.
“Our objective of taking pupils to ride the Metro was to teach them how to use the service in a safe manner and make them understand the correct practices to be followed when riding the Metro,” said Vijaya Ganesh, NAUS principal, who accompanied the children along with teachers and other staff members.
Ganesh said that for many students it was their first train ride.
“It was amazing and the joy was unparalleled. Children were excited while the train was winding through the tunnel and along the elevated track, giving an entirely different view of the city,” she said.
Ganesh said that the school would encourage senior students to use the Metro to come to school where possible, as this would save time and money.
Ganesh and her staff were particularly impressed by the service offered by the Metro staff at the stations.
“The Metro staff were very polite, courteous, helpful and friendly. The children really felt cared for and comfortable,” she noted, adding that the environment inside the trains and stations was extremely safe and secure.
A Metro official said it was very important to educate school children about the use of public transport.
