Amman, Feb. 17 (Petra) -- Jordan’s public transport system recorded "tangible progress" in 2025, particularly in organized passenger commuting services, Director General of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission Riyad Kharabsheh said In a statement Tuesday, he said services expanded under the organized transport project, which links Amman with governorate centers and covers routes between the capital and Jerash, Irbid and Karak.

He said the project features electronic payment service, Closed-Circuit Television monitoring (CCTV), e-tracking systems and fixed timetables.

Referring to the government's approval of the project’s second phase, he said 180 new buses will operate and complete the network between governorate centers and Amman.

The plan targets introduction of 1,000 buses under the organized transport program, out of more than 5,500 buses operating across the Kingdom.

He said regulatory and operational measures accompanied the expansion, including fuel support, sector restructuring, as permits will stabilize for 10 years and routes will be reinforced under a clear mechanism.

Kharabsheh noted challenges persist amid population growth and rising daily trips, which requires fleet expansion and improved temporal and spatial coverage, particularly in densely populated governorates.

"Raising the service rate to one bus per 1,000 citizens instead of 2,500 is a key indicator to increase reliance on public transport and reduce congestion," he said.

He added that work continues within available resources, referring to "qualitative" progress in electronic payment, tracking and monitoring systems to achieve a more efficient and reliable public transport network.

When installation of tracking devices began in 2025, buses were not equipped with such systems. Today, 1,000 buses are fitted with tracking devices, benefiting operators, drivers and the commission, he pointed out.

//Petra// NQ