Advancing Mobility: Public Transport at the Heart of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision
Altaj News – Wassel Al-Mashagbeh
Amman – Public transportation is the backbone of sustainable urban development, offering clean and efficient mass mobility solutions essential for economic growth, better quality of life and environmental stewardship. The demand for transport in Jordan is characterized by rapid growth and a central role as a regional transit hub. In this respect, the public transport sector in Jordan has experienced notable advancements through the adoption of more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable systems like the Amman Bus network, the Amman Bus Rapid Transit network (BRT), and the newly introduced Amman-Zarqa BRT. These systems along with a national public transport network collectively represent a transformative approach to public mobility, aligning with the kingdom’s Economic Modernization Vision (EMV) to create a more connected, accessible, and environmentally sustainable society.
This article explores the performance of Jordan’s public transport systems during 2023 and 2024, highlighting achievements, challenges, and policy interventions required to support sustained growth and development.
Overview of Public Transport Systems in Amman and Beyond (Phase I)
Phase I of the Amman Bus system, launched in June 2019, has become a cornerstone of the city’s public transit network, addressing pressing urban mobility challenges. This phase introduced 135 buses operating across 18 routes, covering 410 kilometers. By the end of 2022, the system had served over 18.45 million passengers, underscoring its pivotal role in Amman’s transportation landscape. The buses are equipped with modern features such as air-conditioning, free internet, security cameras, GPS tracking, and an automated fare collection system, prioritizing affordability, commuter comfort, and accessibility for all.
The launch of Amman Bus Phase II in March 2023 marked a significant expansion. This phase added 18 routes and extended the network coverage by 350 kilometers, bringing the total to 760 kilometers. The operational fleet increased by 136 buses, raising the total to 271 vehicles, with 110 dedicated to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services. This expansion was projected to increase annual ridership from 7 million to 11.3 million by 2024, exemplifying its transformative impact on urban mobility.
The Amman BRT system, which began soft operations in July 2021, represents a milestone in the city’s transit development. Its three core routes span 25 kilometers, providing high-frequency service with buses arriving every 2–3 minutes. The system accommodates 70,000 daily riders, serving approximately 11 million passengers annually. In May 2024, the Amman-Zarqa BRT corridor further enhanced regional connectivity with two lines and 48 buses operating along a 24-kilometer route, serving nearly 3.76 million passengers to date. Additionally, in December 2024, the third BRT line connecting Amman, Sweileh, and Zarqa began operations, extending the network by 32 kilometers with 16 additional buses. This expansion strengthened intercity transit, directly benefitting communities such as students at the University of Jordan. Collectively, all BRT routes serve up to 100,000 daily passengers.
In 2024, the combined BRT and Amman Bus systems transported over 29 million passengers, showcasing their growing importance in meeting Amman’s mobility needs. Among GAM’s notable enhancements is the introduction of 15 electric buses to the BRT fleet, scheduled for deployment in the second quarter of 2025. Furthermore, significant progress has been made in designing future BRT expansions. The preliminary design phase for approximately 43 kilometers of new BRT corridors has been completed, signaling a critical step toward Phase II of the system. These developments reflect Amman’s commitment to modernizing its public transport infrastructure, alleviating congestion, and fostering economic growth through improved accessibility, connectivity, and an enhanced commuter experience.
Amman Bus Lines
BRT Lines
Achievements and Growth in Jordan’s Public Transport
Jordan has made significant strides in enhancing its public transport infrastructure over the past few years. Since the establishment of the Amman Bus system in 2019, the Amman Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in 2021, and the Amman-Zarqa BRT in mid-2024, the three systems collectively recorded 72.9 million cumulative users by mid-December 2024. This impressive figure underscores growing public acceptance and reliance on these systems as affordable and efficient modes of transportation.
Ridership Growth Across Systems
Amman Bus: A Foundational Network
The Amman Bus system, with its expansive route network covering key areas of the city, has been pivotal in addressing the mobility needs of Amman’s residents. Since its inception in 2019, the system has recorded 38.2 million cumulative users, making it the most utilized of the three public transport systems. Its affordability, reliable schedules, and widespread accessibility have contributed to its steady growth and role as a cornerstone of Jordan’s public transport network.
Amman BRT: Transforming Urban Mobility
The introduction of the Amman BRT in 2021 marked a significant shift toward modern, high-capacity public transport solutions. By the end of 2024, the system had served 31.2 million users, reflecting its growing popularity as a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional transport options. The year 2024 alone saw 14.2 million riders, up from 10.9 million in 2023, representing a robust 30% year-on-year growth. This surge highlights the success of the government’s strategic investments in high-demand urban corridors, which have improved connectivity and reduced travel times for commuters.
Amman-Zarqa BRT: A Promising Newcomer
The Amman-Zarqa BRT, launched in mid-2024, has already demonstrated promising results in its inaugural year, catering to 3.5 million riders by December 2024. This system addresses the critical need for efficient transport between Amman and Zarqa, two of Jordan’s most densely populated cities. Its early success suggests a strong latent demand for high-quality transit options along this corridor and emphasizes the potential for continued growth as awareness and accessibility improve.
Cumulative Ridership Trends: A Reflection of Public Confidence and Need
From 2019 to December 2024, cumulative ridership across the three systems has grown at an impressive pace, reflecting increasing public confidence and reliance on Jordan’s public transport infrastructure. Notably, annual ridership for the two established systems (Amman Bus and Amman BRT) surged by 47% from 19.5 million users in 2023 to 28.6 million users in 2024, which includes the addition of the Amman-Zarqa BRT. This rapid growth signifies the success of targeted infrastructure investments, particularly in areas with high population density and unmet demand for efficient transit solutions.
Key Drivers of Ridership Growth
The growth in public transport ridership in Amman is attributed to several interrelated factors. The introduction of new services, notably the Amman Bus system in 2019, the Amman BRT in 2022, and the Amman-Zarqa BRT in 2024, has expanded transit options, enhanced connectivity, and addressed critical gaps in the transportation network. The following factors have contributed to the expansion in the use of public transportation:
Infrastructure Investments: Expansion of route networks, improved service quality and the introduction of modern buses have made public transport more accessible and attractive to commuters.
Infrastructure expansion has been another hallmark of progress. By the end of 2024, the total fleet size reached 278 buses, with 42 routes now operational across public transport systems. The Amman Bus alone operates 37 routes, providing comprehensive coverage within the capital. These expansions not only alleviate congestion but also improve access for underserved populations.
Affordability: Subsidized fares and competitive pricing have positioned public transport as a cost-effective alternative to private vehicles and taxis.
Traffic Congestion: Increasing congestion on urban roads has encouraged residents to shift to faster and more reliable public transport options like the BRT systems.
Parking restriction and enforcement.
Environmental Awareness: Growing awareness of the environmental benefits of reducing private vehicle usage has further bolstered public transport adoption.
Comparative Ridership Performance (Source: Amman Great Municipality)
Year
Amman Bus (million users)
2019*
Amman BRT (million users)
2021**
Amman-Zarqa BRT (million users)
2024***
Total (million users)
2019-2022
18.7
6.1
N/A
24.8
2023
8.5
10.9
N/A
19.5
2024
10.9
14.2
3.5
28.6
Cumulative
38.2
31.2
3.5
72.9
*Amman Bus statured operation in 2019, **Amman BRT started operation in 2021, and ***Amman-Zarqa started operation in 2024
This data reinforces the Amman BRT’s rapid adoption as the fastest-growing system in Jordan’s public transport infrastructure. While the Amman Bus remains the most widely used, the new Amman-Zarqa BRT has begun to carve out its niche, contributing meaningfully to overall ridership growth within just eight months of operation.
The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), is set to integrate electric buses into its public transport system. Fifteen electric buses have been procured and are scheduled to commence operations by May 1, 2025. These buses will enhance the Amman Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, serving the route between Amman Center (Raghdan) and Sweileh. The deployment will be accompanied by the establishment of the required charging infrastructure to ensure seamless operation. In addition to the BRT system, the Amman Electric Bus Project aims to improve public transport in the city of Amman, while serving as a crucial first step towards transitioning into low-carbon transport solutions.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite these successes, challenges still remain. Overcrowding on popular routes, limited fleet capacity, and gaps in intercity connectivity highlight the need for further investment. The rapid growth in demand has outpaced supply, straining existing resources and reducing service efficiency in peak areas. Funding constraints, infrastructure gaps between urban and rural areas, and public perceptions favoring private vehicles due to inconsistent service provision and quality, compound these issues. Additionally, integrating public transport systems with urban planning frameworks (especially zoning practices) and transitioning to environmentally sustainable operations are pressing issues that require immediate attention. Jordan’s EMV offers a roadmap to address these challenges by prioritizing sustainable infrastructure development. The vision emphasizes creating a balanced urban environment where mobility provides accessible, affordable, safe, reliable, and eco-friendly services.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, spanning three interconnected networks, marks a significant step forward in public transport infrastructure. However, its success is hindered by systemic challenges in the broader public transport network, which limit mobility and accessibility. Addressing these issues is essential for maximizing the BRT’s potential and creating a more inclusive transport system. Non-BRT public transport, which still represents the vast majority of public transport supply, suffers from inadequate coverage, especially in suburban and rural areas, forcing reliance on informal modes or private vehicles and worsening urban congestion. In the main cities, low service frequency leads to long wait times, with only 35% of urban residents in 2023 reporting access to public transport within walking distance (i.e., a global benchmark of 300-400m). Fragmented service integration, including disjointed fare systems and schedules, results in average commutes exceeding 90 minutes which disproportionately affects low-income families, for whom transport costs can consume up to a staggering 20% of household income. Service quality is undermined by outdated vehicles, frequent breakdowns, and safety concerns (particularly among women and other vulnerable passengers). Accessibility is another pressing issue, as less than 15% of buses meet international standards, thus excluding marginalized groups. Expanding coverage, integrating services, modernizing fleets, and ensuring universal accessibility are vital for building an efficient and equitable transport system that fosters economic growth and social inclusion.
The “first and last mile” problem significantly hinders public transport adoption in Jordan, with only 35% of urban residents having reasonable access to services. Addressing this challenge requires reliable feeder systems connecting peripheral areas to main transit lines and innovative solutions, such as on-demand shuttles and microtransit, to expand coverage. Without such improvements, public transport risks serving only captive users rather than attracting private vehicle owners.
Ensuring the financial sustainability of Jordan’s public transport systems requires balancing subsidies and operating costs with effective revenue generation through innovative financing models such as public-private partnerships (PPPs) and transit-oriented development. Additionally, seamless integration across the Amman Bus, Amman BRT, and Amman-Zarqa BRT systems is vital to enhance efficiency and user convenience. Implementing unified ticketing systems, synchronized schedules, and coordinated infrastructure planning will significantly improve the overall user experience. Public transport offers significant opportunities to stimulate economic growth, alleviate congestion, and enhance environmental sustainability. Strategic investments in sustainable transport infrastructure can create jobs, boost tourism, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Technological integration, including real-time tracking and digital payment systems, improves operational efficiency and user convenience. Moreover, modernized public transport promotes social equity by providing affordable, safe and accessible mobility for underserved populations, contributing to improved quality of life.
Policy Directions for the Future
To maintain momentum and align with national development goals, Jordan should adopt a multifaceted approach to policy and investment. First, strategic expansion of the route network is essential to meet the growing demand and improve coverage, particularly in urban areas and underserved regions. Simultaneously, investments in fleet modernization, including the adoption of electric buses, will reduce the environmental impacts while improving operational efficiency. The integration of transportation planning with urban development is critical for creating transit-oriented developments (TODs) that connect residential, commercial, and recreational spaces seamlessly. Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) should also be deployed to enhance route optimization, monitor performance, and provide real-time updates to public transport users. Equally important is the consideration of potential Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). By involving private investors in financing and operations, Jordan can leverage additional resources to improve service delivery while maintaining accountability and efficiency. Complementing these initiatives, nationwide public awareness campaigns should educate citizens about the economic and environmental benefits of public transport, fostering broader community engagement and support for a shift away from private vehicles. Enhancing the regulatory framework by strengthening administrative bodies with oversight mechanisms to ensure reliable service standards and operator accountability is a key factor to address.
Expanding the Network (Phase II)
Phase II of the Amman Bus and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project represents a significant expansion of public transport infrastructure. The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) plans to introduce an additional 23 routes, increasing the total to 50 routes and expanding the network by an extra 480 kilometers. Once completed, the system will encompass a total of 1,350 kilometers, effectively doubling its coverage and improving accessibility for both urban and peri-urban areas. The Amman BRT system encompasses bus stops along dedicated lanes, passenger information points, interchanges, and terminal stations. Buses are expected to operate with frequencies as short as 3 minutes along the busiest corridors in Amman. . The BRT system is part of a wider existing public transport network that includes specific intermediaries, such as regular buses or smaller vehicles, which complement the network. These intermediaries transport passengers to the nearest rapid bus station, minimizing waiting times and ensuring a seamless and convenient service. Overall, the expansion of the Amman Bus and BRT systems is expected to significantly enhance urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality in the city. The successful implementation of these projects will provide residents and visitors with efficient, reliable, and sustainable public transportation options, contributing to the overall development and modernization of Amman’s transport infrastructure.
Conclusion: A Path to Sustainable Mobility
Amman BRT, Amman-Zarqa BRT, and Amman Bus systems are redefining mobility through accessibility, efficiency, affordability, safety, inclusivity, and sustainability. With a cumulative ridership surpassing 72.9 million since the creation of the public transport network and an impressive annual growth rate of 47% during the second year of operation (2023-2024), these systems have become integral to the Kingdom’s economic and social development. However, sustaining and building upon this progress demands targeted investments in infrastructure, advanced technology, and effective governance. As Jordan confronts the dual challenges of urbanization and modernization, its public transport sector has the potential to set a regional benchmark for sustainable mobility. This aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision’s commitment to enhancing quality of life for all Jordanians.
Addressing existing gaps with forward-thinking policies and harmonizing efforts with national goals will allow Jordan to develop a transport network that addresses current needs and anticipates future demands. Jordan’s transport systems can emerge as a cornerstone of national development by fostering innovation, strengthening strategic partnerships, and engaging communities. These efforts can significantly reduce congestion, lower emissions, and improve the overall quality of life for all citizens. While challenges persist, they also provide an opportunity for transformative change. The broader initial success of the BRT hinges on tackling these systemic issues, ensuring Jordan’s public transport network meets the diverse needs of its rapidly growing population.
