Amman, February 1 (Petra) – The Cabinet on Sunday approved the implementation of the second phase of the regular public transport project that links the governorates and Amman.
The second phase will operate on seven main routes Amman–Tafila, Amman–Ma’an, Amman–Ajloun, Zarqa–Mafraq, Zarqa–Irbid, Jerash–Mafraq and Irbid–Jerash using 180 buses and minibuses with a daily capacity exceeding 13,000 passengers.
The expansion builds on the success of the first phase and aims to enhance connectivity between southern, central and northern governorates, serving commuters and university students in line with modern transport standards.
The project includes expanded use of intelligent transport systems, electronic payment, tracking and in-bus CCTV to improve service quality and punctuality.
The annual operational cost of the second phase is estimated at JD 5.76 million, with funding already secured. The Land Transport Regulatory Commission will oversee contracting and performance standards, while Vision Amman Transport Company will operate smart systems.
The Cabinet approved justifications for the 2026 Rental Service Licensing Regulation to improve tourist transport services.
The draft regulation seeks to organise and license vehicle rental services, diversify transport options for foreign tourists, ease market entry and strengthen regulatory oversight while promoting fair competition and investment.
As part of efforts to support investment, the Cabinet approved establishing free zones within the business and passenger terminals at Queen Alia International Airport and Amman Airport to enhance services for investors and attract new economic activity.
In the area of social protection, the Cabinet endorsed the National Multi-Sectoral Prevention and Response Plan for Child Protection and Domestic Violence Against Women and Girls (2026–2030), aimed at strengthening prevention, response mechanisms, institutional coordination and community empowerment.
The Cabinet approved solutions to resolve legal disputes over privately owned land on which refugee camps are located through land exchanges and fair compensation, exempted ambulances equipped for persons with disabilities from the 48% special tax and approved a draft amendment to the Constitutional Court Law to align court membership requirements with the Constitution.
The Cabinet approved several senior appointments and retirements across government institutions.
//Petra// AK
