Amman: Minister of Transport Nidal Katamine announced the establishment of a specialized unit within the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) to address women's complaints related to public transport. This initiative is part of efforts to enhance women's safety and facilitate their increased participation in the labor market.
According to Jordan News Agency, the announcement was made during the launch of the "Arrived Safely" project by JoWomenomics (JW), funded by the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women. The project involves collaboration with official bodies, civil society organizations, and experts in transport and community safety. Katamine emphasized that ensuring women's safety in public transport is not just a service issue but also a developmental and economic priority.
The new unit will operate following best global practices in protecting women in transport systems, employing trained staff to handle complaints confidentially and efficiently. It will utilize artificial intelligence tools to analyze data and identify high-risk locations, improving intervention and response strategies. The unit is intended to serve as a national reference for data and statistics on public transport abuse cases.
The initiative will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation to secure necessary support and resources. Coordination will also occur with the Ministry of Social Development and the Family Protection Department, along with collaboration with the Amman Bus Vision project and ride-hailing companies.
Former Minister of Transport Lina Shabib highlighted the significance of an accessible and safe public transport system as a fundamental development pillar. She stressed that public transport safety is crucial to the sector's comprehensive modernization.
JW Founder and CEO Mayyada Abu Jaber outlined the project's goals for the next three years, focusing on raising awareness, building capacities, and improving response mechanisms. The project will involve training 2,000 women and girls, including refugees, on their rights and protection strategies, and will conduct capacity-building sessions for drivers and community-based educational programs.
UN Women Representative to Jordan Nicolas Burnait noted the kingdom's progress in this area, attributing it to a commitment to sustainable change. The launch event, attended by various international representatives, included the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Amman Vision Modern Transport Company to promote a safe and equitable public transport environment.
The event featured two panel discussions addressing public transport challenges and strategies for creating a safe and fair transport environment. These discussions included contributions from representatives of the Jordanian National Commission for Women, the Family and Juvenile Protection Department, and the Land Transport Regulatory Commission.