Amman: The government is moving ahead with plans to modernize its public transport system and improve services for citizens, with 100 electronic services set to be launched as part of a broader digital transformation of the land transport sector, Director General of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) Riyad Al-Kharabsheh said on Tuesday.
According to Jordan News Agency, Al-Kharabsheh, speaking at the Government Communication Forum organized by the Ministry of Government Communication and attended by the ministry's Secretary-General, Zaid Nawaiseh, emphasized that all measures being pursued by the commission are aligned with the Economic Modernization Vision. These measures are aimed at improving service quality and increasing public reliance on mass transit. The LTRC is gearing up to launch 100 electronic services, split evenly between passenger and freight transport, as part of efforts to digitize the land transport sector.
Al-Kharabsheh mentioned that the commission, in partnership with its stakeholders, has developed several regulations under review by relevant authorities. These are intended to improve services through a safe and comfortable public transport system. Reviewing the current state of the sector, he noted Jordan's passenger and freight transport fleet totals roughly 100,000 vehicles.
He highlighted that the Kingdom's freight transport includes 31,975 trucks, with 74% owned individually and 26% by companies. Tractor units represent 60.7% of the fleet, while cargo vehicles account for 39.3%. Public transport indicators reveal 990 service taxis, 5,202 public transport vehicles, 683 large buses, 90 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses, and 3,529 medium-sized buses operating across 1,950 routes, including 1,378 local and 572 main routes.
Al-Kharabsheh added that five ride-hailing companies operate in Jordan, employing approximately 15,000 drivers, with two more companies expected to receive licenses soon. Emphasizing electronic integration within the sector, he noted this move aims to enhance compliance with licensing requirements and ensure regulated operations.
A significant focus remains on delivering high-quality public transport services to citizens, with customer satisfaction central to efforts in improving the sector. Al-Kharabsheh also highlighted initiatives to create additional employment opportunities and contribute to the goals of the Economic Modernization Vision, recognizing transport as a major job-creating sector.
The commission is advancing both operational and regulatory frameworks, with eight draft regulations related to a railway project under review. Additional drafts address various facets of passenger transport services, smart mobility, and international transport services.
Regarding the Passenger Support Fund, he said it would institutionalize support mechanisms for public transport users. Smart transport applications have significantly organized the sector and structured ride-hailing services. Yellow taxi operators will soon be able to establish their applications through their union or licensed offices, supported by new incentives and exemptions.
On freight transport modernization, Al-Kharabsheh stressed the necessity of digitizing the freight fleet to access regional markets. Improving the sector requires opening external markets through fleet modernization and digital transformation. He noted that only about 6,000 Jordanian trucks accessed foreign markets last year, emphasizing that expanding international market access would bring substantial economic benefits.
Future development plans include a new transport terminal in Zarqa near the BRT station, aimed at facilitating passenger movement and service integration with the BRT network. A similar project is planned in Salt.
Al-Kharabsheh outlined an initiative to give public transport buses priority at traffic signals through a project titled "Development Coupled with Public Transport Priority." The BRT route connecting Amman and Al-Balqa Applied University has shown positive results, and additional BRT routes are under consideration.
He mentioned the commission's plan to issue weekly operating tenders for underserved areas, with fixed fares. Emphasizing the role of natural gas in reducing transport system costs, he noted government projects are establishing regular services between Amman and governorates through fixed schedules and smart systems.
Nawaiseh, opening the forum, congratulated the nation on significant anniversaries and highlighted the LTRC's sustained efforts to develop Jordan's public transport network. The commission's smart transport systems and digital services expansion aim to improve efficiency and ease inter-governorate travel, aligning with economic and social development goals.