Passengers say public transport drivers’ apparel ‘not an issue’

AMMAN — A traffic ticket related to public transport drivers’ apparel sparked debate among passengers and sector representatives on Thursday. 

The Central Traffic Department issues traffic tickets against drivers who do not wear appropriate attire, according to Maj. Jalal Rahahleh, director of public relations at the department.

“An article in the Traffic Law stipulates penalising drivers who do not wear suitable garments, such as those dressed in shorts,” Rahahleh told The Jordan Times. 

Drivers of public transport vehicles wearing clothing that is not in line with regulations are fined JD15, under Article 38 of the Traffic Law.

Ahmad Abu Haidar, president of the Transport Services and Taxi Owners Union, said he is not against the traffic ticket, stressing that only a limited number of taxi drivers do dress properly.

“It’s totally fair to issue a ticket to a driver who wears a track suit or dishdash, because drivers have to show respect to their passengers and dress accordingly; but I have to assure you that an extremely limited number of drivers wear improper outfits,” he added. 

However, not all passengers see drivers’ attire as a major concern.

Adel Abureida, a university student, said he noticed that some old drivers wear a dishdash while young cabbies wear suitable clothes. 

“For me, it’s not a big problem. All I care about is the way the driver deals with me,” he added. 

Mohammad Nayif, an architect, said officials can enforce such penalties when the taxi firm owners provide uniforms for drivers. 

“Not many drivers can afford to buy proper clothes because they can hardly make ends meet,” he told The Jordan Times. 

But Mahmoud Murad, another architect, said the step is possibly to do with tourism, since a great number of foreigners use cabs to get around.

“Drivers should wear proper clothes because they represent Jordan to tourists,” he pointed out.