Latest news with #RTA
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dayton schools could end high school transportation over contested provision in Ohio's budget
Jun. 27—Dayton Public Schools may opt to no longer provide any transportation options for district high school students if a locally backed provision in the state's recently passed budget becomes law. The provision in question singles out DPS and blocks its students from transferring bus lines at the Greater Dayton RTA's downtown bus hub. Dayton Public Schools Board of Education member Jocelyn Rhynard told this outlet that the law would likely render the district's current bussing solution for high school students unworkable. "We don't put them on yellow buses now, we don't have the fleet or the drivers. What we've been doing for the past couple years is buying the monthly bus passes for them," Rhynard said. "But if they cannot go through the RTA hub, then buying them the bus passes would be pointless. So, we would have to tell our students that they would be on their own because of the decisions made at the Statehouse." Other options are still on the table, Rhynard said. DPS could expand its yellow bus fleet (the district estimates needing about 70 additional buses and 70 additional drivers). A satellite RTA transfer hub for students is also a theoretical option. But, Rhynard said the law, which would go into effect for the coming school year, offers the district little time to come up with a solution. "We possibly will not be doing high school transportation for Dayton students or nonpublic students," Rhynard said. "We haven't had the meeting to discuss that, there's a lot we have to finalize and figure out, but at this point the Statehouse might have made the decision for us." The provision is backed by local Rep. Phil Plummer, R-Butler Twp., who has been supported in his attempts to distance high school students from the downtown hub by Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims, a Democrat, and the Dayton chapter of the NAACP. The issue became an even greater priority following the April killing of Alfred Hale III, an 18-year-old Dunbar High School student who was shot near the downtown RTA hub on his way to school. "They could do this. I don't want to hear their excuses," Plummer, a former Montgomery County sheriff, told this outlet. "Here's the main thing: We had a kid killed down there. It's a terrible environment. I would not want my 13-year-old daughter standing down there waiting to transfer buses in that climate. "You know, you have drug dealing going on down there, you've got gangs down there, you've got homeless, mental health people down there. It's not a place for a 13-year-old kid." Plummer admits that his provision doesn't offer the district much time to adjust. He wanted to provide a one-year runway, but that version of his amendment wasn't the one that made its way into the state budget. The provision, like all of the state budget, is still subject to review from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who wields line-item veto power and is expected to sign the budget early next week. School transportation is made more complicated by an Ohio law that saddles public districts with the responsibility of transporting both public and non-public students up through eighth grade, which has caused headaches particularly in districts like DPS — large, urban, open-enrollment districts with charter schools and private schools aplenty. Districts have more leeway for high school students, but they must offer the same transportation solutions to public and non-public high schoolers alike. "The biggest issue here, that it seems like nobody in the Statehouse is willing to acknowledge, is that we are able to transport all of our students, K-12, on yellow buses if we did not have to transport non-public students," Rhynard told this outlet. "If we did not have the mandate, we would be able to do the transportation in house for all of our Dayton Public students. But because we have to transport all of the nonpublic students, we can only transport through eighth grade." Rhynard said lawmakers were looking at the wrong solutions with this provision. "If our legislators in the Statehouse actually wanted to solve this transportation issue, they would get rid of the mandate that we transport non public students," she said. "There's no reason why we should be doing transportation for students who do not attend Dayton public schools." To this outlet, Plummer said that the transportation requirements hoisted upon public schools "need revisited." He said the current law made more sense before the rise of charter and private schools, noting that about half of the students DPS transport on their yellow buses are non-public students. "It is an antiquated system that needs changed. But, they need to ask themselves why 50% of our kids go to other schools," Plummer said. "Maybe start there." ------ For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening. Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below.
Gulf Business
9 hours ago
- General
- Gulf Business
Traffic alert: Dubai's RTA to implement a 2-month diversion on E311 from June 28
Image: RTA/ X Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced it will implement a two-month traffic diversion at the Al Barari Underpass on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), starting at midnight on June 28. The move is part of a broader infrastructure initiative to improve rainwater and groundwater drainage and resurface roadways. Motorists are being directed to reroute via the Dubai–Al Ain Bridge for U‑turns toward Jebel Ali, or the Global Village Underpass and Umm Suqeim Street intersection for U‑turns toward Sharjah to avoid delays . لتنفيذ أعمال نظام تصريف مياه الأمطار والمياه الجوفية وإعادة رصف الإسفلت، سيتم تطبيق تحويلة مرورية عند معبر الجمال البراري بشارع الشيخ محمد بن زايد، لمدة شهرين متتاليين بدءًا من تاريخ 28 يونيو 2025، مع توفير طرق بديلة، عبر جسر دبي العين الواقع على شارع الشيخ محمد بن زايد حيث سيمسح… — RTA (@rta_dubai) Other traffic diversions across the city Diversions are also planned at other major underpasses city‑wide, including Mudon Underpass on Emirates Road and Umm Al Daman Underpass on the Dubai–Al Ain Road, both starting June 28. All projects are scheduled to last for two months to coincide with peak seasonal rainfall preparation efforts . A traffic diversion will be implemented at Mudon Underpass on Emirates Road for two months starting 28 June 2025. The works include rainwater and groundwater drainage system upgrades along with road resurfacing. Commuters can use the alternative routes via Underpass 7 (U-turn… — RTA (@rta_dubai) تحويلة مرورية عند معبر الجمال أم الدمن بشارع دبي – العين، بدءًا من 28 يونيو 2025 ولمدة شهرين متتالين، بهدف تنفيذ أعمال نظام تصريف مياه الأمطار والمياه الجوفية وإعادة رصف الإسفلت. يمكن للسائقين استخدام الطريق البديل، عبر جسر أم النهد التقاطع 4 على شارع دبي العين حيث سيتاح لهم… — RTA (@rta_dubai) Read: D
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
RTO services in Punjab to go online
Mohali: In a major step towards digitising public services, Punjab transport minister Laljit Singh Bhullar Friday announced that all RTO (regional transport office) services in the state will soon be available online, allowing citizens to complete their transport-related work from the comfort of their homes. Speaking to the media during a surprise inspection of the RTA office and the new driving test track in Sector 82 here, the minister revealed that the digital rollout will start as a pilot project from Mohali, before being extended to the entire state. Bhullar said, "We are committed to administrative reform and citizen convenience. With all RTO services going online, people won't have to stand in queues or make repeated visits to the office." He added that necessary modalities are being finalised for launching the online office soon. During the inspection, the minister personally interacted with the staff and citizens at the public counters, taking stock of day-to-day operations and grievances. Citizens reportedly appreciated the cooperation extended by the officials and praised the functioning of the office. Bhullar issued on-the-spot directions to address any public complaints and instructed staff to ensure that no citizen is harassed or inconvenienced. "If any document is incomplete, the applicant should be fully informed about what is missing so that no one has to return again and again," he said. H e also reviewed the tax collection process and emphasised strict enforcement against tax defaulters and vehicle owners with incomplete documentation. Staff attendance was verified and found to be 100 percent, reflecting positively on the department's discipline. The minister later inspected the automated driving test track at Sector 82, which has been built using modern technology to ensure foolproof testing and eliminate impersonation. The track is equipped with high-resolution CCTV cameras and automated evaluation systems for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Sharing performance data, Bhullar said the pass rate for four-wheelers currently stands at 40%, and 82% for two-wheelers, pointing to the transparent and merit-based testing system. "This modern system not only ensures fair testing but will also help in reducing road accidents. Such technology will be replicated across all driving test tracks in Punjab," he added. The surprise visit and announcements underscore the Mann-led govt's focus on transparency, accountability, and digital governance, with the Mohali RTO set to become a model for statewide transformation in transport services.
Roya News
11 hours ago
- Business
- Roya News
Dubai Metro station officially renamed "National Paints"
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has granted the naming rights of Jebel Ali Metro Station to National Paints Factories Co. Ltd. (National Paints), the region's largest paints and coatings manufacturer. Strategically located in one of Dubai's most dynamic and rapidly evolving industrial hubs, Jebel Ali Free Zone, the station will now be known as National Paints Metro Station for the next 10 years. The agreement was signed between National Paints and Hypermedia, with Mada Media attending in its capacity as the authorised concessionaire appointed by RTA under a concession agreement between Mada Media and RTA. Providing further details, Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, CEO of the RTA's Rail Agency, said: "We are delighted to have National Paints join the Metro Station Naming Rights Initiative. The inclusion of this prestigious global company undoubtedly demonstrates the remarkable success achieved by this initiative, which had attracted diverse companies and establishments from the business sector across the UAE as a whole." Kalbat added: "The RTA is keen to expand and strengthen ties and cooperation with the business sector, not only in Dubai but also across the UAE. This cooperation reflects the government's approach to consolidating cooperation with the private sector based on the exchange of knowledge and expertise and the provision of business opportunities for this sector, which is considered a strategic partner of the government sector. This cooperation also plays a pivotal role in creating promising job opportunities that attract diverse specialisations, enriching the business sector and contributing to the growth of UAE's GDP in general, and the Emirate of Dubai's, in particular.' Mohamad Al Hammadi, CEO of Mada Media, commented on launching this strategic project with National Paints Factories Co., stating: 'This new milestone with National Paints reinforces our long-term vision with RTA of transforming metro stations into powerful commercial and advertising landmarks. Through naming rights, we're not just creating visibility, we're building strategic brand presence in high-impact urban touchpoints.' He added: 'National Paints' investment in this station underscores the value of transit media in shaping consumer engagement and enhancing top-of-mind awareness in one of the region's most dynamic cities.' Samer Sayegh, Managing Director and Partner of National Paints, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying: 'We are proud to partner with RTA, to secure the naming rights of a metro station that stands as a key connector in Dubai's world-class transportation network. This milestone reflects our bold, decade-long commitment to enriching the Emirates' urban landscape through innovative solutions, sustainability, and high-quality products.' He continued: 'As a company born in 1969 in Amman, Jordan and proudly rooted in Sharjah since 1977, National Paints has long been an integral part of the Emirates' economic and urban transformation. Our presence on the metro reinforces our position as the Middle East's number one coatings brand, and deepens our connection to the communities we've proudly served for generations, and those yet to come'. From July and running through the end of October 2025, RTA will begin updating and renaming all relevant external and internal directional signage across Metro stations. The new name will also be reflected across RTA's smart digital systems, public transport applications, and onboard audio announcements prior to and upon arrival at the station. About National Paints Factories Co. Ltd. Founded in 1969 by the Sayegh family in Amman, Jordan, and headquartered in Sharjah, UAE since 1977, National Paints is the largest paint and coatings manufacturer in the Middle East and ranks 29th globally. The company operates 15 paint factories, 5 resin plants, and more than 60 integrated production lines across seven key markets: the UAE (Sharjah and Abu Dhabi), Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, Romania, and India. With a global annual production capacity exceeding 1 million metric tons, National Paints' Sharjah facility alone spans 130,000 sqm and produces over 500,000 metric tons annually across 15 integrated lines, making it the largest paint manufacturing plant in the region. National Paints offers one of the industry's most diverse and comprehensive coatings portfolios under one roof, including decorative, industrial, marine, automotive, powder, wood, and architectural coatings. Its products are trusted in over 80 countries worldwide.
Arabian Business
14 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai announces 2-month diversions on major roads
The RTA has announced a series of traffic diversions on major roads in Dubai. Two-month diversions have been announced at Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road and the Dubai–Al Ain Road, with the Roads and Transport Authority advising alternative routes. All three diversions are to allow for rainwater and groundwater drainage works on roads in the Emirate and will last for an expected two months. The RTA advised motorists plan trips in advance to ensure smooth travel during this period. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road diversion The RTA revealed a two-month diversion on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and suggested alternative routes. The RTA said: 'To carry out rainwater and groundwater drainage works along with road resurfacing, a traffic diversion will be implemented at Al Barari Underpass on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road for two months starting June 28, 2025. 'Commuters can use the alternative routes via the Dubai–Al Ain Bridge (U-turn towards Jebel Ali) or the Global Village Underpass and Umm Suqeim Street intersection (U-turn towards Sharjah)'. To carry out rainwater and groundwater drainage works along with road resurfacing, a traffic diversion will be implemented at Al Barari Underpass on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road for two months starting 28 June 2025. Commuters can use the alternative routes via the Dubai–Al Ain… — RTA (@rta_dubai) June 27, 2025 Emirates Road diversion The RTA revealed there will be a two-month diversion on Emirates Road and suggested alternative routes. In a separate statement on social media, the RTA said: 'A traffic diversion will be implemented at Mudon Underpass on Emirates Road for two months starting June 28, 2025. 'The works include rainwater and groundwater drainage system upgrades along with road resurfacing. 'Commuters can use the alternative routes via Underpass 7 (U-turn towards Jebel Ali) or from Hessa Street to Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Street (towards Dubai)'. A traffic diversion will be implemented at Mudon Underpass on Emirates Road for two months starting 28 June 2025. The works include rainwater and groundwater drainage system upgrades along with road resurfacing. Commuters can use the alternative routes via Underpass 7 (U-turn… — RTA (@rta_dubai) June 27, 2025 Dubai–Al Ain Road diversion The RTA revealed a two-month further diversion and suggested alternative routes. On X, the RTA said: 'A temporary traffic diversion will be implemented at Umm Al Daman Underpass on Dubai–Al Ain Road starting June 28, 2025, lasting two months. 'The works aim to improve rainwater and groundwater drainage, along with road resurfacing. Commuters are advised to take the alternative route via Umm Nahad Bridge (Intersection 4), where a U-turn towards Dubai will be available to help ensure a smoother journey'. A temporary traffic diversion will be implemented at Umm Al Daman Underpass on Dubai–Al Ain Road starting 28 June 2025, lasting two months. The works aim to improve rainwater and groundwater drainage, along with road resurfacing. Commuters are advised to take the alternative… — RTA (@rta_dubai) June 26, 2025 Dubai diversions explained Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road Al Barari Underpass June 28, 2025 2 months Rainwater and groundwater drainage, road resurfacing – Dubai–Al Ain Bridge (U-turn towards Jebel Ali) – Global Village Underpass & Umm Suqeim St (U-turn towards Sharjah) Emirates Road Mudon Underpass June 28, 2025 2 months Rainwater ∧ groundwater drainage, road resurfacing – Underpass 7 (U-turn towards Jebel Ali) – Hessa St to Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed St (towards the city) DXB–Al Ain Road Umm Al Daman Underpass June 28, 2025 2 months Rainwater and groundwater drainage, road resurfacing – Umm Nahad Bridge (Intersection 4), U-turn towards the city All three diversions on the major roads in the emirate will begin on June 28 and are expected to be in place for two months and until the end of summer.
