‘120 cabs on Jordan-Syria-Lebanon route to become Amman taxis’

AMMAN — A total of 120 service cabs that used to transport passengers from Amman to Syria and Lebanon will be joining thousands of taxis in the capital after their business was negatively affected, a Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) official said Wednesday. 

Abdul Rahim Wreikat, director of GAM’s public transport operations department, said the decision was taken by GAM in order to resolve a “national issue”.

“The decision was not taken based on traffic needs. The business of these drivers was affected due to regional instability,” Wreikat told The Jordan Times over the phone. 

He noted that they were granted a temporary permit to operate as taxis.

“They received a two-year permit until they are able to return to their normal business,” the GAM official said, adding that these cars are under the jurisdiction of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC).

Around 10,670 regular cabs operate in Amman. 

Wreikat said some 500 drivers submitted requests for permits and 120 vehicles were chosen in a draw. 

“The LTRC distributed other cars to several cities including Zarqa and Irbid,” he added. 

The municipality official said these cars will be provided with meters and they will be painted yellow. 

“They will be affiliated with taxi offices in the capital,” he added.