Olsztyn students protest proposed public transport and parking fee changes

Students at the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn are escalating their protests against proposed municipal regulations regarding public transport and parking fees. Representatives from the Student Self-Government Council of the Faculty of Law and Administration met with the Warmia-Mazury Voivode to submit a petition signed by 2,251 people.

The dispute centers on a city hall proposal that would grant discounted rates only to students under 26 whose parents or guardians pay PIT taxes in Olsztyn. The city administration argues this policy aims to reward those contributing to the local economy. However, student representatives, including Wiktoria Anna Woźniak, have labeled the proposal discriminatory, noting that many students reside in the city despite their families paying taxes elsewhere.

UWM Rector Jerzy Przyborowski has expressed support for the student protesters. If the city council adopts the current proposal, the new rules would take effect on January 1, 2027. Students are currently demanding the repeal of two specific city council resolutions to ensure equal access to preferential rates for all students regardless of their family's tax status.