Students urge gov’t explanation over surge in transportation fees to universities

AMMAN — The National Campaign for Defending Students’ Rights (Thabahtoona) on Monday called on the government to “clarify its intention to raise the cost of students’ transportation to official universities by 50 per cent”, noting that the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) sent a letter to a transport company stating that the transport support programme for university students has been suspended.

“This decision means that, starting from next month, the government will determine the cost of students’ transportation to official universities without the provision of any support,” Thabahtoona Coordinator Fakher Daas told The Jordan Times, warning that “if this comes into effect, transportation fees will increase by approximately 50 per cent”. 

Responding to the claims, LTRC Director General Salah Lozi denied the commission’s intention to stop the provision of support for university students’ transportation, noting that the service will continue as part of a new plan. 

The official stated that “a new committee has been formed to reorganise the mechanism for the transportation of university students under new rules and conditions”, provided that students are not burdened by additional costs. 

“The committee will study the new working mechanisms and submit its recommendations to the LTRC board of directors for approval,” he continued, noting that the procedures will start at the beginning of the new academic year. 

The Ministry of Higher Education was not available for comment, despite several attempts by The Jordan Times.