The Youth and Mobility departments of the Elda City Council have backed an initiative to denounce the deficient university transport service, which severely affects Elda students attending the University of Alicante (UA) and the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH).
Key complaints include constant delays, overcrowded buses with passengers standing on the highway, disproportionate fares, and a lack of effective solutions from the operating company.
The public university transport situation has become unsustainable after more than a year of continuous deficiencies, violating students' basic rights. Complaints detail overcrowded buses, especially in the late afternoon and evening, forcing students to travel standing on highway routes, delays causing students to miss classes and exams, and issues with electronic payment methods.
“"Studying is already a significant effort for young people and their families, so they shouldn't have to add the constant worry and uncertainty about whether they will be able to get to class or their exams. From the City Council, we demand definitive solutions from the company and dignified transport that guarantees the rights of our students."
Silvia Ibáñez, Councillor for Mobility, highlighted the municipal government's firm commitment to alleviate this situation through transport aid, increasing the scholarship budget to 80,000 euros and doubling the aid per beneficiary from 200 to 400 euros.
“"We feel completely unprotected. Paying high fares to travel standing, arriving late to exams without being able to justify it, or a student being denied access on the last bus due to problems with digital payment is unacceptable. We need administrations and the company to respond once and for all."
This formal complaint to the Ombudsman stems from widespread frustration and over a hundred user complaints. The Local Youth Council and the Elda City Council reaffirm their firm determination in defending the rights of Elda's youth, demanding a public transport service that meets the dignity and educational needs of the city.
