Tag Archives: STS Group

STS Group Joins EEG for a Clean UAE

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STS Group, under the patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) and in association with the Ministry of Community Development, volunteered in the 21st cycle of the nationwide Clean UAE campaign held in Dubai on Saturday, 10 December. The waste clean-up campaign, organised by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), aims to bring together different sectors of the community with the shared ambition to promote sustainable development in the region. Towards this end, EEG has designed a set of nationwide programmes of which one of the most well-known is Clean UAE. This campaign has been successfully encouraging residents over the years to adopt eco-friendly practices.

The event took place in Saih Al Salam Area, Al Qudra, with more than 350 STS Group volunteers donning campaign t-shirts, reusable cotton gloves, and bio-degradable bags. They covered an extensive area of over 15 kilometers, diligently collecting waste at designated sites. The volunteers went above and beyond, uncovering various items such as vehicle tires, rugs, disposables, and broken glass, among others. In total, the Clean UAE campaign gathered 11,000 kilograms of waste, which was then handed over to the municipality for further processing and disposal. Recyclables were carefully separated and sent to established recycling facilities.

The campaign not only focused on clean-up efforts but also featured engaging activities like workshops and tree-planting competitions, making it a widely anticipated and well-participated environmental platform. The Clean UAE campaign serves as a celebration of the UAE’s unique environment and encourages support for its preservation.

Rajeev Ravi Kumar, QHSE Manager at STS Group, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to make a meaningful impact. By supporting the UAE’s efforts to become cleaner and greener, 250 of our employees came together to clean up our local area. Our participation in this year’s Clean UAE campaign is part of our commitment to promoting environmental responsibility within the community.”

Celebrating Success Meet the Rising Stars at STS Group

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We take great pride in acknowledging the exceptional talent and expertise that fuels our success. Today, we are thrilled to introduce new members to our growing family.

Hardik Shah – Commercial and Finance Director

At the beginning of 2023, STS Group welcomed Hardik Shah as the Commercial and Finance Director, a crucial role that drives effective commercial strategies to support the company’s growth and achievements. With an impressive professional journey spanning 15 years, Hardik brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our leadership team.

Hardik held notable positions at Ernst and Young, Emaar, and GEMS Education before joining STS Group. His proficiency extends to various domains, including business strategy, performance improvement, and business development. One of Hardik’s most significant accomplishments was his instrumental role in the successful transition plan for a major M&A transaction involving GEMS Education in KSA. Additionally, he played a crucial part in developing the bidding model for all major bids and actively participated in the joint venture between Emaar and Meraas for the prestigious Dubai Hills project. Hardik’s diverse skillset and track record of successful projects make him an invaluable asset to our leadership team, and we are excited to witness his contributions to our continued growth.

Service Delivery Executives (SDEs)

We are delighted to introduce a group of talented SDEs who have joined the STS family over the past year. Mohamed Shameem, Jithina Poovadan, Tessy Thomas, Chris George Thomas, Norbert Vincent, Alka Mathew, Samuel Francisco, Mohammad Talal, Manoj Alexander, and Syed Muddasir have each brought unique expertise and dedication to their respective roles. As STS Group continues to expand its reach and impact, the contributions of our SDEs have been vital in ensuring exceptional service delivery to our clients and customers. Their commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our core values and mission, and we are grateful to have them as part of our team.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Hardik and all the new SDEs who have chosen to be part of the STS journey. We congratulate and wish them all the success in their new roles.

Charlie the Helmet Hero: Meet Our Road Safety Champion

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In a world that sometimes does not consider safety measures to be cool, one determined student from Year 5, GEMS Jumeirah Primary School (JPS) stands out as a shining example of responsibility and safety. Meet Charlie Senior, our very own Helmet Hero, whose dedication to road safety is an inspiration to us all.

At STS Group, we don’t just see ourselves as only a transportation company. We are a partner in your child’s educational journey. The importance of road safety is deeply ingrained in our mission, resonating beyond the school bus. Whether your child commutes on our school bus or explores alternative modes of transportation, like e-Scooters, we stand firm in our commitment to ensuring their safety. And Charlie, our Helmet Hero, personifies this dedication.

Charlie’s Mission

Charlie understands that safety is not merely a choice but a responsibility. His mission isn’t just to keep himself safe, instead, he has taken it upon himself to spread the message of safety throughout his school and beyond. As tempting as it can be to cut corners, Charlie stands firm in advocating for the use of helmets. He says, “Stay Cool Wear A Helmet To School,” reminding us that responsibility is the cornerstone of safety.

Charlie wears his helmet as a symbol of his commitment to safety. It’s more than just a piece of protective gear; it’s a declaration that he values his life and the lives of those around him. Charlie invites you to join him in shaping a safer future, one helmet at a time.

The editorial team from Journey magazine sat down with Charlie’s mother, Gabrielle Bliss, and Charlie himself, to gain insight into his vision for the safety campaign.

Tell us a bit about your helmet safety campaign. What inspired you to take it up?

“I started the campaign when I realised that most people who were riding bikes in the school were not wearing helmets. It’s the law in Dubai to wear a safety helmet and I think a lot of people don’t know, do they? Wearing a helmet is the safest way to prevent head injuries from road accidents. So, I launched my Stay Cool Wear A Helmet To School safety campaign on World Bike Day 2023. I even stood outside my school and advocated for everyone on a bike or scooter to wear a helmet. Most people agreed, my classmates, particularly were extremely supportive and embraced the initiative wholeheartedly.”

What is the one big change you would like to see in your community because of your safety campaign?

“With the support of my School Principal/CEO, Rachel Higgins, I have already got posters up in school to remind students, teachers, and parents as they leave to put their helmets on. It’s not just about reminding you to wear a helmet, it’s about creating road safety awareness. The impact is that everyone should be wearing a helmet, but also that people understand the importance of road safety.”

Who has been supporting you through the campaign and how have they helped you deliver your safety message? 

“Wolfis Bike Shop is sponsoring my campaign. I have been talking to them about getting discounts on helmets for students. We have also been talking about doing a giveaway through a raffle draw. Winners get a new bike and helmet. That would be great. Eldar Schools from Abu Dhabi has also been in touch and we are discussing ways to collaborate.”

What advice would you give to other students who want to champion their own safety campaigns?

“Well, first, you have got to do a lot of research and find ways to promote it. So, once you are ready with the concept of your campaign and show it to people and then you have got to actually do the stuff. You can’t just promise something and not deliver on that promise.”

Inspiring a Safer Future

Through this campaign, Charlie is setting a standard for responsible behaviour that is both commendable and contagious. His story serves as a reminder that it takes just one person to ignite a spark of change and that one small action can profoundly impact an entire community. As STS Group continues to champion the cause of road safety, let us all take a moment to salute Charlie, our Helmet Hero, whose actions speak louder than words and whose dedication lights the path toward a safer tomorrow.

Dubai Chamber Honours STS Group with CSR Label Workplace 2022

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Dubai Chamber of Commerce (DCC) celebrated the remarkable achievements of 28 companies that demonstrated exceptional commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in 2022. Among these distinguished organisations, STS Group stood out, receiving the esteemed Dubai Chamber of Commerce CSR Label for the sixth consecutive time, highlighting its strong dedication to social responsibility and its continuous efforts to integrate CSR into the core of its operations.

STS Group’s steadfast commitment to the well-being of its workforce is evident in the robust health and safety system it has put in place. The company prioritizes employee safety through various initiatives, including QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment) induction programme, rigorous risk assessments, defensive driving training, and banksman training conducted by RoSPA-certified trainers, and behind-the-wheel training to create a conducive and supporting workplace. 

Being environmentally conscious, we have taken measures to reduce carbon footprint, recycle e-waste, and test alternative fuels. One of the main areas of focus has been to reduce carbon emissions through optimised routes and the use of biofuels. Our biofuel fleet increased from 192 buses in 2021 to 316 in 2022, setting a path toward a sustainable future.

 

Hassan Al Hashemi, Acting President and CEO of Dubai Chambers extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the awarded companies and applauded their strong commitment to sustainability and CSR leadership. 

“The Dubai Chamber of Commerce CSR Label was established as a comprehensive framework and development tool designed to assist companies in evaluating their CSR strategies, gaining recognition for their efforts, and enhancing their reputation. The Chamber works hand in hand with businesses to support them in integrating CSR and sustainability into business operations,” Al Hashemi added.

The CSR Label has proven to be instrumental in creating a roadmap for the future, enabling STS Group to focus on further strengthening employee welfare policies and practices while embracing diversity by including people of determination in their workforce. As the journey of CSR continues to evolve, STS Group remains steadfast in its dedication to making a positive impact on the community by setting a high standard for CSR leadership.

STS Group and ITC Abu Dhabi Come Together to Empower Students as Road Safety Champions

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STS Group has always prioritised student safety and as a responsible transport operator, they actively conduct interactive learning programmes for students, delivering lessons in road safety. 

The Road Safety Awareness Campaign was launched on 8 February 2023 in Horizon Private School, Abu Dhabi, and was attended by senior members of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), Road Safety UAE, and STS Group. The purpose of the campaign is to empower the student community to become advocates of road and transport safety through a unique learning environment with a curated road safety curriculum, interactive videos, and games. 

During the campaign workshops, students are assigned appropriate learning levels (Primary/Intermediate/Senior) based on their grades. They undertake lessons in road safety management and participate in engagement activities with interactive games and quizzes that teach them to treat road safety as an ongoing responsibility. 

The learning programme covers topics like travel safety protocol in the school bus and on the road and emergency protocol. One of the learning modules is based on local laws related to the use of Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) like bicycles and e-Bikes. The campaign includes interactive board games designed to teach students about road safety practices and danger zones surrounding the school bus. Winners of the games receive goodie bags and one lucky student was awarded a bicycle, while another took home an e-Bike.

Click the link to explore the Road Safety Awareness Campaign curriculum: ITC Digital Link

Sumaya Saeed Al Neyadi, Section Head of Road Safety in ITC Abu Dhabi explains: “ITC is committed to improving road safety in line with the vision of the authorities of Abu Dhabi and of UAE Federal level, and this School Road Safety Campaign is of particular interest to ITC and the society of the UAE. As a mother of three, I can relate to the desire of all parents to make sure that our children are safe on the roads. Road safety education must start at home and at school and hence, we are delighted to collaborate with STS Group on this exciting and important campaign.”

Steve Burnell, STS Group Managing Director, said “The campaign aims to reach over 65,000 students across 20 schools over the span of six months, with the purpose of embedding traffic safety principles, proper conduct on roads, and the values of safe driving in children from an early age. By doing so constructively and systematically, we will contribute to reducing road traffic accidents and help raise a generation of safer drivers for the future.”

The campaign has been a resounding success since its launch in February and has covered eight schools across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai. The initiative aligns perfectly with STS Group’s holistic approach towards shaping a safety-centric culture within the community and reflects our core values of Safe, Timely, Smart. 

STS Group Celebrates Double Triumph: Two-Time Winner of the Prestigious RoSPA Health and Safety Awards

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STS Group has received two internationally renowned Health and Safety Awards from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Thursday, 4 May 2023. The Address, Dubai Mall.

We are delighted to announce STS Group has won RoSPA gold awards for two consecutive years. This year, we have been selected as gold award winners for two categories, Health and Safety, and Fleet Safety. 

The glittering awards ceremony took place at The Address, Dubai Mall on the night of 4 May, Thursday. Steve Burnell (Managing Director, STS Group) and Gunaseelan Chidambaram (Senior Manager IT, STS Group) were presented with the awards by Baroness Jolly (President, RoSPA) and Errol Taylor (CEO, RoSPA). 

“These fantastic achievements highlight our passion for keeping people safe, and we are incredibly proud to have been recognised for our efforts. We aim to be an example for others in our industry as we champion and drive-up health and safety standards every day. Our Safe, Timely, Smart values resonate with us as we ensure the safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve.” 

Steve Burnell, Managing Director, STS Group

“Proud to be a part of a high-performing team, where safety is a way of life for both the management and operations. The guiding principles of STS Group and the recognition by RoSPA, encourage us to pursue continual improvement, on our journey of managing occupational safety and transport risk.” 

Gunaseelan Chidambaram, Senior Manager IT, STS Group

STS Group shines bright with back-to-back RoSPA gold awards, demonstrating our exemplary commitment to health and safety excellence and our continuous efforts to improve safety practices. We would like to congratulate all our stakeholders for making this remarkable accomplishment possible. 

 

Stuff The Bus with Hope: Connecting Hearts Across Borders A Year-Round CSR Campaign

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This year, during Ramadan, we were excited to launch our all-year-round CSR campaign, Stuff The Bus with Hope. We teamed up with Bring Hope Humanitarian Foundation (BHHF) to spread hope and joy to marginalised communities in Kurdistan and Africa by encouraging school children in the UAE to donate school items, educational supplies, toys, and goodies, while also finding a way to connect with the recipients in a meaningful way.

Launching the Ramadan campaign in March 2023, STS Group has been working with 87 schools in the UAE, that we operate in, to collect donations for displaced families. In addition to donating items, students were encouraged to record video messages and write heartfelt letters to families in Kurdistan and Africa, creating a tangible connection between the donor and receiver. Over 1,200 items were collected on the very first day of Ramadan.

Read more here: Ramadan in Dubai: School children ‘Stuff The Bus with Hope’ – News | Khaleej Times

“At STS Group, we believe in giving back to the community and helping those in need. We are thrilled to partner with BHHF to expand our Stuff The Bus campaign and create a more meaningful experience of giving back this Ramadan season. Through this campaign, we hope to encourage the children here in the UAE to consider what life might be like for the person they’re writing to, and this can be great for building empathy and becoming a well-rounded, global citizen,” said Steve Burnell, Managing Director of STS Group.

The campaign was launched at the beginning of Ramadan, a time of spiritual reflection in the region. It will continue throughout the year as an ongoing effort. At the beginning of the campaign, students were given the opportunity to volunteer in packing care packages. Parents and students were encouraged to donate items under the following categories: toys, educational books, stationary, clothes (for adults and children), school equipment (backpacks, paper, notebooks, etc.), along with one item of sentimental value to the donor and a letter explaining the item’s significance to them. 

In June 2023, at the end of the academic term, we brought together 20 students to collaborate in sorting and packing donated items. This activity took place at the BHHF warehouse located in Dubai Industrial City.

“We are delighted to partner with STS Group on this initiative, which aligns with our mission of bringing hope and aid to those in need. We believe the letters carrying personal messages from students will make a substantial impact on the recipients and help build a lasting connection across the borders,” said Dr. Mariwan Baker, Founder and Chairman of BHHF.

STS Group is committed to creating a positive impact through its CSR campaigns. Stuff The Bus with Hope is a testament to our dedication to social responsibility and making a difference in the lives of others.

About Bring Hope Humanitarian Foundation

Bring Hope Humanitarian Foundation is an International Non-Profit and Non-Governmental Organisation that focuses on refugees and internally displaced people across Africa, Middle East, and Asia. They regularly undertake international aid distribution and implement a variety of skill-building and educational programs in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Iraqi-Kurdistan and Africa. For more information, please visit www.bringhopefoundation.org

Banksmen And Foremen Training

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Banksmen and foremen form an essential part of STS Group’s operations team. Given that both roles oversee the implementation of safety rules and regulations in the company, they received regular training and refresher courses throughout the year.

Who is a Banksman and what do they do?

A designated person who safely guides bus drivers through vehicle manoeuvre, making them responsible for the safety of pedestrians, drivers, and other vehicles. The banksman plays an important role assisting in vehicle manoeuvre as drivers may not always have full view of their intended path of travel and when reversing the vehicle with limited visibility or space.

A banksman’s main form of communication with drivers is through hand signals. Through group activities and training exercises, the refresher course focuses on reinforcing essential qualities required to carry out their duties:

  • Excellent observation skills.
  • Hand/Eye coordination.
  • Sharp sight and hearing.
  • Soft skills such being assertive and a good communicator

Who is a Foreman and what do they do?

A designated person who supervises and supports bus drivers and bus guardians. The foreman undertakes thorough inspection of the buses. Buses undertake their journey only after all items on the foreman’s checklist have been completed and signed off. Regular maintenance and upkeep of all technologies and related devices on board each vehicle.

Beat the Heat Event

During the summer months, all our staff members including banksmen, foremen, bus drivers and guardians, and the STS Auto Services personnel undergo the Heat Injury and Illness training workshop. They are advised on health and safety practices, and preventive measures to manage and treat heat stress.

STS Group Now In Qatar

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The STS Group recently expanded its operations to the Qatar market with two schools.

School Transport Services, a part of the STS Group of companies, commenced operations as a bus and car rental company, specialising in school transport and charter bus services in Dubai in 2008, and soon became the leading private operator and preferred partner of choice for school transport solutions across the UAE. By enabling more than 80,000 students with safe and reliable transport, we have transformed the way the UAE community experiences the school bus journey. Spurred on by the success in the UAE, the STS Group took on the recent expansion in Qatar. “Recognising the opportunity for transport and logistics management in a new market, we began our expansion in Qatar over two years ago,” said Steve Burnell, managing director of STS Group. “We now operate in two schools and will continue to expand our presence there,” he added.

Gems American Academy Qatar

GEMS American Academy Qatar (GAAQ) is part of the GEMS Education family, a network of international schools that offer students the highest standard of education. As a GEMS Education school, they embody the GEMS core concepts of leading through innovation, pursuing excellence, growing by learning and global citizenship.

As a trusted and experienced provider of passenger transport services across the region, STS Group has a wealth of experience in supporting school service requirements to deliver Safe, Timely, Smart solutions,” said Head of School/ CEO of GEMS American Academy Qatar. “STS Group’s extensive fleet is equipped and maintained with the latest technology to ensure safety, quality, and comfort. We are extremely delighted to have them manage our school
transport,” he said.

Gems Wellington School Qatar

Modelled on the distinguished GEMS Wellington International School, Dubai, the GEMS Education school in Qatar opened recently, offering the academically renowned National Curriculum for England. The programme has been adapted to suit students who come from countries around the world.

STS Group is a fantastic transport service provider with a well-trained, dedicated transport team and an outstanding reputation. They make sure to go above and beyond expectations in the service they offer while always ensuring student safety is their number one priority” said David Wilson, Principal/CEO of GEMS Wellington School Qatar. “The team has worked very closely with the school to meet our specific needs and ensure we are operationally ready for the new term,” he added.

We’ve REBRANDED! New Identity. Same Values

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We are proud to share that we are now STS Group.

Our business has undergone significant transformation over the past years. The new name strengthens what we have always been known for, while simultaneously moving the brand forward to unify all our transport and technical services under one identity, STS Group. Apart from the new name we have also launched a new website portal. While this may seem like a big change, you can rest assured that our core values haven’t changed at all. Our commitment to everything we do, from the way we interact with our customers, colleagues, and community to the services we provide, continue to be centered around the values of being Safe, Timely, Smart. With these core principles instilled in our culture, the STS Group is confident in delivering on its promises each and every day.

“At STS Group, we are passionate about creating an atmosphere of empowerment and growth,” said Steve Burnell, managing director of STS Group. “We lead the way forward with the STS way of life. Having set new standards and benchmarks for safety and excellence of service quality, STS Group is a symbol of strength and distinction reflected in the way we work,” he added. STS Group offers a broad spectrum of transport and technical services for the education and corporate business sectors. Our current portfolio includes some of the most respected and influential transport brands in the region.

School Transport Services

 

STS Group operates two school transport brands across the UAE; School Transport Services and Bright Bus Transport. Both companies take pride in being the UAE’s leading private school transport operators. By enabling more than 80,000 students with Safe, Timely, Smart transport, we have transformed the way the community experiences the school bus journey.

Securi Tech Services

Securi Tech Services delivers the highest quality security solutions across the GCC. We provide full security systems including CCTV systems, smart vehicle systems with GPS tracking, complete building security, automation and safety solutions for schools, vehicles, retail, and government entities. These systems are installed and managed in a Safe, Timely, Smart manner by a team of fully trained and licensed technicians.

Staff & Tourism Services

 

Staff & Tourism Services enables corporate clients and private parties with Safe, Timely, Smart transport services. We have an extensive fleet of luxury coaches, buses, minibuses, and minivans, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that support the critical role of customer safety and comfort.

STS Auto Services

STS Auto Services provides total care solutions for fleet maintenance to private and corporate customers. By supporting the transport sector with Safe, Timely, Smart maintenance services, we have achieved an enviable reputation for engineering excellence through quality of service. STS Auto Services facilities operate from four strategically positioned technical sites across the UAE.