Mafraq-Zarqa, Mafraq-Jerash public transport routes begin pilot operations
AMMAN — Pilot operations of regular public transport routes linking Mafraq with Zarqa and Jerash began on Thursday as part of the second phase of a project to develop inter-governorate public transport services.
Director General of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission Riad Kharabsheh said the pilot operation marks an important step in developing public transport services in Mafraq by providing regular and safe transport options that facilitate the movement of residents between Mafraq and the governorates of Zarqa and Jerash.
He said the project is part of the commission’s efforts to improve the efficiency of public transport services by providing modern buses equipped with smart systems that enhance safety and comfort and help organise transport operations, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reproted.
Kharabsheh stressed the importance of cooperation with local authorities in ensuring the project’s success and achieving its objectives.
The commission will monitor the routes’ performance throughout the pilot period, including passenger numbers and demand for the service, while collecting feedback from passengers, operators and local authorities, he added.
The pilot operation will also allow the commission to assess the service on the ground, identify passengers’ needs, the most frequently used routes and peak hours, and make any necessary improvements before the routes become fully operational, Kharabsheh said.
Commission Spokesperson and Director of the Media and Communications Unit Abla Wishah said the two routes are being operated using integrated smart transport systems, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, electronic tracking, electronic payment and free Wi-Fi.
These systems will enhance safety, security and monitoring while improving operational efficiency and service quality for public transport users, she said.
Wishah said the pilot operation involves 44 large buses on the Zarqa-Mafraq route and 11 medium-sized buses on the Jerash-Mafraq route.
The fare on the Zarqa-Mafraq route is JD1.20, with a reduced fare of 80 piasters for Al al-Bayt University students. The fare on the Jerash-Mafraq route is 95 piasters, with students paying 47.5 piasters.
The commission has also allocated 4,000 free cards for beneficiaries of the Zarqa-Mafraq route and 1,000 for users of the Jerash-Mafraq route to support Al al-Bayt University students and provide them with regular and affordable transport services, Wishah said.
She highlighted Mafraq’s importance in plans to develop the public transport network, given its geographical location and role as a key link between several governorates.
Strengthening connections between Mafraq and neighbouring governorates, including Zarqa and Jerash, is therefore a key component of efforts to develop the regular public transport network, Wishah said.
She added that the two routes will provide regular, safe and reliable transport services, facilitate the movement of residents and Al al-Bayt University students and strengthen links between Mafraq and neighbouring governorates.
Wishah said the commission is continuing to implement the second phase of the regular public transport project according to the established timetable, with the aim of completing the targeted routes in line with the Economic Modernisation Vision’s objectives of developing a modern, integrated and sustainable public transport system.
