Mafraq, August 20 (Petra) -- Trial operation of regular public transport routes linking Mafraq with Zarqa and Jerash began Thursday as part of the second phase of the inter-governorate public transport development project.
The launch, attended by relevant authorities in Mafraq Governorate, aims to provide regular, safe, and reliable transportation services, improve connectivity between governorates, and enhance the efficiency of the public transport network.
Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) spokesperson and Director of the Media and Communication Unit Abla Washah underlined Mafraq's strategic importance in the Kingdom's public transport development plans, given its geographical location and role in linking neighboring governorates, specifically Zarqa and Jerash. She noted that the two routes will facilitate mobility for citizens and Al al-Bayt University students while strengthening connectivity between Mafraq and the two governorates.
Washah explained that the trial operation includes 44 large buses on the Mafraq-Zarqa route and 11 medium-sized buses on the Mafraq-Jerash route.
She said the fare on the Mafraq-Zarqa route is JD1.20, while Al al-Bayt University students will pay 80 piasters. On the Mafraq-Jerash route, the fare is 95 piasters, while university students will pay 47.5 piasters.
The commission has also allocated 4,000 free cards for users of the Mafraq-Zarqa route and 1,000 for the Mafraq-Jerash route as part of efforts to support Al al-Bayt University students and provide them with accessible and regular transportation.
Washah added that both routes will operate using integrated intelligent transportation systems, including surveillance cameras, electronic tracking, electronic payment, and free Wi-Fi, to enhance safety and security, improve monitoring of bus movements and trips, and increase operational efficiency and convenience for passengers.
The LTRC Director General Riyad Kharabsheh highlighted the commission's efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of public transport through modern vehicles and smart systems, stressing the importance of cooperation with local authorities and stakeholders in ensuring the project's success.
He added that the commission will monitor the performance of the two routes throughout the trial period, assessing passenger numbers and demand and gathering feedback from passengers, operators and local authorities.
The trial phase, he noted, will help identify challenges, assess passenger needs and determine peak travel times and other operational requirements before the routes enter full operation.
//Petra// AJ
