Minister of Transport Wissam Tahtamouni announced that the government vehicle tracking project has led to the redistribution of 230 surplus vehicles, saving JD6 million, reducing vehicle violations by 64%, and saving JD4.3 million in fuel consumption up to 2023.
During the Government Communication Forum on Tuesday, with Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Muhannad Mubaideen participating, Tahtamouni reviewed the national transport strategy, highlighting vital projects and achievements across various fields and linking the Economic Modernization Vision with the national strategy for the sector.
She emphasized the ministry’s role in policy formulation and monitoring, noting the transport sector’s significant economic impact, contributing approximately 6.2% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing around 95,000 workers.
Tahtamouni reported that the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Amman serves about 8 million passengers, with an additional 1 million passengers on the Amman-Zarq
a routes since operations began. Currently, 100 buses operate within Amman, and 48 on the Amman-Zarqa axis, all equipped with electronic payment methods, with plans to add 20 more buses.
A proposed plan for feeder lines to the BRT project has been prepared, with the Amman-Zarqa BRT route to be supported by a network of feeder lines for intermediate stations, in collaboration with the Greater Amman Municipality and the Land Transport Regulatory Commission. Operators affected by the BRT route will be reassigned to these feeder lines to improve transport access in neighborhoods facing issues.
For the second phase of regular and sustainable mass transit projects, Tahtamouni outlined three tracks totaling 42.7 km: Naour intersection to Sweileh station, Al-Mahta terminal to Naour intersection, and Customs intersection to Madaba intersection. By 2028, the expected daily users for these tracks is projected at 91,184 passengers.
The third phase involves the Amman-Al-Salt axis, currently in the stage of preparing te
rms of reference for studies and designs, catering to a passenger demand of approximately 40,000.
Tahtamouni noted that the transportation sector strategy for 2024-2028 aims to create a comprehensive and sustainable transportation system, aligned with the Economic Modernization Vision (2023-2025). The strategy addresses sector challenges, enhances efficiency, and keeps pace with global best practices in climate change, technological development, public-private partnerships, and regulatory aspects.
Queen Alia International Airport, a Middle Eastern success story, has achieved numerous awards and recognitions, including being named the best airport in the Middle East for 5-15 million passengers annually and ranking 15th globally in the same category. In 2023, the airport handled about 9.2 million passengers, averaging 25,200 daily, with facilities expanded to accommodate 12 million passengers annually.
The airport has received multiple international awards for service quality, customer experience, and enviro
nmental efforts. From 2007 to 2017, government revenues from the airport project amounted to JD1.107 billion, with construction and operating costs at JD8.814 million.
Tahtamouni pointed out the completion of the first phase of the Marka Airport project, with ongoing work on the second phase to lift operational restrictions. The airport is being updated with new facilities and a solar energy project to improve travel experiences and infrastructure.
The air cargo center development at Queen Alia International Airport aims to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, increasing Jordanian exports. Initial reports, including demand and forecasting studies, are being prepared to determine the most suitable development alternatives.
Addressing the Red Sea crisis, Tahtamouni discussed solutions, including new maritime transport routes and feeder lines to and from Aqaba, and supporting the Arab Bridge Navigation Company.
Aqaba Container Port has shown improvement, with a gradual decrease in the percentage of declin
e in container numbers, from 46.5% in January to 10.9% in June 2023.
On the national maritime carrier, a market survey is underway to assess the feasibility of establishing a national maritime transport company, with economic feasibility studies being prepared.
Regarding the national railway project, Tahtamouni said the ministry’s role involves studies and expropriations, with compensation subject to financial availability.
For unlicensed applications, the Transport Authority is working with the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Digital Economy to block them by communicating with global platforms.
She stressed the historical significance of the Hijaz Railway, with ongoing studies and projects to revitalize its role.
In response to electronic gates at airports and border crossings, Tahtamouni stated that a tender has been issued by the Ministry of Digital Economy.
Source: Jordan News Agency
