The National Association for Pupil Transportation announced on July 31 that it is partnering with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in the United Arab Emirates to co-host a school transportation summit in 2013.

The goal of the conference, which will be held in next spring in one of the world's richest cities, is to create "world-class" school transportation for the Middle East country. Per the agreement, NAPT said it will work with RTA to benchmark current school transportation service and will collaborate on public information campaigns.

RTA plans, executes and coordinates all aspects of the UAE's expanding transportation infrastructure and prepares legislation and strategic plans for all types of transportation, including to and from schools.

"NAPT is privileged to join with the Emirate of Dubai in the interest of helping them and others in their region learn from our experiences operating yellow school buses," said Alexandra Robinson, president of NAPT and the executive director of pupil transportation for the New York City of Department of Education, the largest school district in the United States.

RTA and NAPT have worked together for several years, and attendees of the NAPT Summit may recall seeing delegates attend the annual conference and trade show.

"Together, we are taking the next step to bring the best practices in school transportation to individuals, businesses, governments and related school transportation service providers in the Middle East and Northern Africa as well as other countries," commented Essa Al Dosseri, CEO of RTA's Public Transport Agency. "The conference we are planning will be a unique learning experience for transportation professionals around the world."

Michael Martin, NAPT's executive director, said the goal is to implement the same reliable, safe transportation linked to childhood educational opportunities as in the United States.

"The Dubai RTA is a very professional organization that strives to achieve best transportation practices.  It’s been a great honor working with them over the years and we now embrace this official partnership to promote school bus transportation in that part of the world." Martin said.

Exact dates of the spring conference have yet to be announced.