Amman: The Lower House of Parliament's Public Services and Transport Committee engaged in discussions aimed at tackling the various challenges faced by international transport vehicle operators, driving instructors, and delivery riders. A significant part of the dialogue centered around issues related to obtaining a Category 6 driving license.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting was chaired by MP Ayman Al-Badawneh and included notable attendees such as Minister of Transport and Minister of Labour Nidal Katamine, Director-General of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) Riyad Al-Kharabsheh, and Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) Lara Al-Khateeb. The discussions aimed to directly convey the demands of transport sector workers to relevant authorities, identify problem sources, and propose practical solutions.
Al-Badawneh highlighted the transport sector's importance due to its role in providing employment and income for many citizens. He called for a legislative and regulatory framework that protects workers' rights and ensures public safety. Additionally, he mentioned the need to review the conditions for obtaining Category 6 driving licenses, balancing safety requirements with the needs of truck and bus sector workers.
Minister Katamine emphasized the importance of addressing workers' demands and noted that the Category 6 issue had been reviewed by several committees. He expressed the ministry's commitment to developing the transport system and improving service quality in collaboration with relevant authorities.
Brigadier General Omar Al-Quraan, Director of the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department, explained that the two-year requirement for driving license progression ensures drivers gain necessary experience. He mentioned ongoing reviews of the driving license classification system aimed at introducing major amendments to align with societal needs while maintaining safety standards.
Riyad Al-Kharabsheh stated that the LTRC is working on developing a regulatory framework for the freight sector, prioritizing practical solutions that align with developments while ensuring public safety. Brigadier General Raed Al-Assaf from the Traffic Department noted ongoing field and automated monitoring of freight vehicle movements and encouraged citizen involvement in promoting road safety.
Representatives of truck drivers called for easier procedures for upgrading licenses while considering drivers' practical experience and sector needs. Delivery riders also demanded a clear regulatory framework addressing their conditions and protecting their financial and social rights.
Al-Badawneh stressed the importance of coordination among authorities to regulate delivery riders' conditions and relationships with companies. He noted a complaint signed by about 411 individuals regarding these issues. Minister Katamine discussed challenges related to platform-based work and the need for a framework that provides social protection for workers.
Lara Al-Khateeb of the TRC and Samira Al-Zoubi, Secretary-General at the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, highlighted ongoing efforts to address regulatory issues and protect delivery riders' personal data. Delivery riders called for fair pricing, regulation of relationships with companies, and protection from financial burdens related to permits and fees.
International transport vehicle owners raised concerns about operating age restrictions and financial burdens. Al-Badawneh emphasized the need to address these challenges to protect vehicle owners' investments. Katamine assured that the ministry is studying solutions and alternatives in cooperation with the LTRC.
Driving instructors expressed concerns about vehicle registration and the protection of their investments. Al-Quraan mentioned the department's willingness to facilitate procedures for instructors establishing partnerships or their own centers.
MPs at the meeting stressed the importance of addressing the raised issues and simplifying procedures without compromising regulatory and safety requirements. They called for clear identification of competent authorities and enhanced coordination among concerned institutions.
Al-Badawneh concluded the meeting by acknowledging preliminary understandings and commitments from government authorities to address the issues raised. He emphasized the committee's role in balancing law enforcement with workers' rights and income sustainability, commending the cooperation of the Ministry of Transport, the LTRC, the TRC, and other relevant bodies.