Jordanian Parliament to review school bus safety and licensing

The Jordanian Parliamentary Services and Transport Committee is set to convene ministers of education and transport next week to address critical issues regarding school student transportation. The move follows the tragic death of a five-year-old child, Elias, who died of heatstroke after being left inside a bus in Zarqa.

Committee Chairman Ayman Al-Badadwah stated that the discussions will focus on the prevalence of unlicensed buses and the illegal use of private vehicles for paid student transport. The committee aims to establish stricter licensing mechanisms, particularly for kindergarten transport, and ensure that schools are not licensed unless they provide adequate and safe transportation services.

Proposed measures include institutionalizing the process through the Land Transport Regulatory Commission, which would oversee licensing and ensure vehicles and drivers undergo periodic inspections. The Public Security Directorate will also play a role in monitoring buses on the roads to prevent the use of unauthorized vehicles.