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Dubai Women’s College Rolls Back Transportation Fee Hike

DUBAI—Students of Dubai Women’s College heaved a sigh of relief on Monday after the college management rolled back by more than two-third the hike in transportation fee that was announced last month.

“We are glad that the fee has increased by only about 85 per cent. I used to pay Dh420, but now I would pay Dh670 a month, which is better than the previous increase,” said a student who requested anonymity.

“However, there is too much chaos as more than 20 girls travel in the bus, which has a capacity of 20. The buses are old and dirty. We want new buses, especially since we are paying much higher for the services,” she demanded.

Khaleej Times had reported earlier that the college’s outsourced transport provider, Emirates Transport (ET), had increased the fee by over 300 per cent in the new academic year that commenced in September and had temporarily stopped picking up students. A number of students had also withdrawn from the college over the issue.

A statement from DWC on Monday confirmed that approximately 25 girls were transferred to other colleges.

“We are paying Dh500 this year, a Dh260 increase from last year. However, we at least have buses to take us to college now,” said another girl.

The college statement added: “On average the price rise is 85 per cent. The new price list is in the process of being reviewed by DWC. They (costs) are more in line with prices quoted by other bus companies to provide the same service, although they are more than a 30 per cent increase as was received by schools under the Ministry of Education.”

preeti@khaleejtimes.com