Yousef Al-Shawarbeh, the Mayor of Amman, announced Saturday that the trial operation of the Amman-Zarqa bus rapid transit is set to begin on May 15.

This announcement came as the municipality received 48 "King Long" buses, which have a capacity ranging from 62 to 70 passengers and cost JOD 7,584,000.

These buses, equipped with environmentally friendly EUORD 5 diesel engines, will operate on the rapid transit route between Amman and Zarqa.

Al-Shawarbeh stated that the expansion of public transport services within the municipality's boundaries is ongoing, mentioning another tender to purchase 15 electric buses that are expected to be operational by the end of this year.

He added that the municipality has a clear strategy to enhance the efficiency of the public transport system in the city, following royal directives. 

The municipality has also established Amman Vision for Transport Company and is part of a transport system that includes the Ministry of Transport, the Transport Authority, Amman Vision for Transport Company, and partners from the private sector.

Amman Municipality's fleet executive director, Engineer Hussein Erbaihat, stated that the municipality is committed to introducing the best buses that focus on environmental considerations and passenger comfort.

He noted that the Central Trade and Vehicles Company is obligated under a maintenance contract to preserve the buses and maintain their operation as per the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations during the warranty period to extend their operational life and reduce maintenance and repair costs, as well as the number of downtime and malfunction days.

The buses are equipped with driver monitoring systems, electronic payment systems, Wi-Fi, surveillance cameras, screens, and are designed for both standing and seated passengers according to European and international standards.

They are also designed to offer comfort to elderly passengers and those with disabilities, and include high-standard air conditioning and safety equipment.

*Stay informed with our carefully curated content delivered directly to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and in-depth analysis. Click here to subscribe.