Mini-van drivers protest against traffic department's fines

AMMAN — Private transportation companies will soon be able to offer “safe” services to public school students under regulations currently in the pipeline, an official said Sunday.

Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) Director General Marwan Hmoud said the commission, in cooperation with the Public Security Department and the Education Ministry, has finished drafting the regulations.

“The move aims to provide public school students with a safe means of transport,” Hmoud told The Jordan Times, citing a number of violations committed by currently operating school vans “unlicensed for this purpose”.

Also on Sunday, a group of drivers of small buses transporting public school students organised a sit-in objecting to the traffic department’s fines.  

Hmoud explained that drivers of these vans exceed the allowed number of four passengers, with the figure sometimes reaching 20 or more.

Another violation is charging for the ride, he said, adding that privately owned vehicles are not allowed to transport passengers for money, a feature of public transport vehicles.

“The drivers of these buses abuse the purpose of the combined transportation licence, which allows for carrying both passengers and goods, and use it only to transport passengers,” Hmoud added in a phone interview.

Noting that the details of the regulations will be announced soon, he urged van drivers to abide by traffic regulations and not to exceed to the allowed number of passengers.

Public schools currently have no transportation system for students.

Commenting on the issue to Rotana Radio’s morning show on Sunday, Central Traffic Department Director Col. Yaser Harahsheh said the department will continue to fine these buses as long as there is no legal text that allows their work.

He added that these vans are neither equipped nor licensed to transport school students.

Harahsheh was not available for comment despite several attempts by The Jordan Times to reach him.

Um Lawrence, whose two children study in a public school in northern Amman, said minibuses are the most affordable transportation option, although “not the safest”.

“I hope authorities can come up with an effective solution to this problem.”