Bus driver detained in Madaba for ‘selling passengers’ to another bus

AMMAN — A bus driver was arrested in Madaba Wednesday for illegally profiting from passengers. 

A student at Mutah University called Amen FM, the radio station of the Public Security Department, to report how the bus driver exploits students travelling from Madaba, some 30km southwest of Amman, to the Karak-based university, 140km south of Amman. 

The complaint said the driver picks up the students, then asks them to take another bus waiting just one kilometre away from the main bus stop in Madaba, the radio station reported on its Facebook page.

Amen FM said it sent the complaint to their correspondent in Madaba who — in coordination with the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) and traffic police officers — followed the bus driver, who was caught “selling” passengers to another bus for JD5. 

The driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized, Amen FM said, adding that he was also referred to the governor to take administrative measures against him before being referred to court for legal action.  

Amen FM posted a photo of the fine issued by LTRC against the driver. 

Commenting on the news item on the radio station’s Facebook page, several students from other institutions had similar complaints against other bus drivers.

Nabeel Hourani, a student at Hitteen College in Amman, said bus drivers have been committing similar violations for years. 

Other students complained about how drivers insist on picking up too many passengers, way beyond their buses’ capacities.