Oblaaspop, whilst I agree that this latest display of Dubai's insatiable greed isn't EK's fault, I must point out that many of us actually do get our lazy arses out of bed to get our kids ready to catch the school bus. Personally, if I drove them myself, I would actually keep my lazy arse in bed a little longer. The main reason that many of us utilise school bus services is to avoid the absolute carnage outside the schools in the mornings and afternoons. There is simply no parking space nor provision for safe and efficient individual drop off/pick up zones. Even if the schools did ignore their grotesque avarice for a brief moment and provide such facilities, the ever present "me, me, me and me first" attitudes prevalent in Dubai would soon turn the mornings and afternoons into the usual borderline riot. One bus of 30 kids equals a lot less cars jostling for space, but if GEMs insists on charging around 240000dhs per annum for a 30 seater bus plus two staff, then the consequent chaos of multiple cars will rule. (and yes, I am aware of the philosophy of car pooling, but even if I stack 'em, I still won't get 30 kids in my car)
So, not so simple really.