Ride hailing services have become a last resort for hundreds of university graduates and young job seekers in Jordan's Karak Governorate, after years of searching unsuccessfully for employment. What initially appeared to offer financial independence has instead evolved into a daily struggle, as drivers face mounting challenges ranging from strict regulations and rising operating costs to mounting debt.

Many drivers have taken out bank loans or financing agreements to purchase newer vehicles that meet the requirements of ride hailing platforms, hoping to secure a stable source of income. However, regulations issued by the Land Transport Regulatory Commission, which limit the operational lifespan of vehicles on these platforms to five years, have left many drivers in a difficult position. In many cases, a vehicle reaches the end of its permitted service life before its owner has finished repaying the loan.

One ride hailing driver estimated that around 90 percent of vehicles operating on these platforms are financed through banks or lending companies. He said lenders continue to demand monthly repayments regardless of market conditions or whether drivers earn enough income to cover their expenses.

Financial obligations are only part of the challenge. Drivers also complain that platform operators deduct commissions starting at 14 percent from every trip, with higher rates applied during certain periods. These deductions significantly reduce drivers' earnings at a time when competition has intensified because of the growing number of vehicles registered on ride hailing applications.

A university graduate who has worked as a ride hailing driver for the past eight years after failing to find employment in his field said the latest vehicle age regulations have placed his only source of income at risk. His 2019 model vehicle is still subject to loan repayments and other financial commitments, yet he now faces the prospect of being forced off the road to avoid penalties for violating the operational age limit.

He added that the rapid increase in the number of drivers, combined with limited passenger demand, has made it increasingly difficult to earn a sufficient daily income. According to him, many unemployed Jordanians have entered the sector in recent years, creating an oversupply of drivers while financing companies continue to provide loans for vehicle purchases.

The pressures extend well beyond income. Many drivers say they are forced to work more than 12 hours a day simply to generate enough revenue to cover their expenses. The long working hours have taken a toll on both their physical and mental health, while they continue to operate without health insurance, social protection, or a clear legal framework governing their relationship with platform operators and protecting their rights in the event of accidents or workplace disputes.

Outside the capital, the impact has become even more pronounced. Traditional yellow taxi drivers in Karak say their business has declined sharply because of the rapid expansion of ride hailing services, arguing that the local market is too small to absorb such a large number of transport providers.

One taxi driver said his daily income no longer covers even his basic financial obligations. Despite paying taxes, licensing fees, and union dues, he believes he receives little in return and called for measures that would create fair competition between different transport services.

For its part, the Land Transport Regulatory Commission said it continues to enforce regulations through field inspection teams operating across the Kingdom. Commission spokesperson Dr. Abla said inspectors conduct undercover trips to identify unlicensed vehicles and take legal action against violators.

Estimates indicate that approximately 4,500 vehicles operate through ride hailing applications in Karak Governorate alone, including both licensed and unlicensed vehicles. The figure illustrates the sector's rapid expansion, but also highlights a growing imbalance between supply and demand. As competition intensifies between app based drivers and traditional taxi operators, the situation reflects a broader challenge facing Jordan's labour market, where thousands of young people are turning to any available source of income, despite the burden of debt, uncertainty, and limited long term security.