PM launches Amman Bus Project’s second phase on City Day

AMMAN — On the occasion of Amman City Day, annually celebrated by the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) on March 2, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Thursday visited the Sweileh station to view the inaugural trips of the Amman Bus Project’s second phase.

Khasawneh emphasised the importance of the Amman Bus Project and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in improving transport services and reducing the burdens on Amman’s public transport sector, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The premier directed that the project continue to be developed so that citizens have access to modern transport services.

While touring the facilities at Sweileh station and inspecting the new buses, Amman Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh shared the project’s progress with the prime minister, highlighting the services it provides.

The second phase of the Amman Bus Project includes the operation of 136 new buses, bringing the total number of buses in service to 271, all of which run on eco-friendly fuel.

The project’s first phase was launched in mid-2019 with a fleet of 135 buses. The project has since carried a total of 26 million passengers over the past three and a half years, with this figure expected to double after the completion of the second phase.

The new buses will cover 23 new routes, bringing the total number of routes to 41, covering large areas of the city. Ninety of these buses will be used to continue operating BRT routes, while some will function as feeder lines to the BRT stations. 

According to the fare integration programme, which manages transfers from the Vision Amman Bus lines to the BRT routes, the maximum fare ceiling is JD0.65 for both Amman Bus and BRT trips. Rides for senior citizens are free of charge, and the buses have suitable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

The buses will be operated on fixed schedules for an average of 16 hours per day from 6am to 10pm. Buses will be variably operational on official holidays and weekends. 

With the completion of the new phase, 480km have been added to the Amman bus network, doubling the network's length to 870km. The operating contract, which covers the first and second phases and lasts for five years, costs JD125 million.

GAM is expected to provide an estimated JD75 million in passenger support over five years, in addition to the cost of purchasing buses, totalling approximately JD23 million.

Also on Thursday, Khasawneh inspected the progress of the Sixth Circle Towers project in Amman. 

The project resumed this year after being stalled since 2011.

The prime minister emphasised the need to expedite the project, stressing that any delays or deviations from previously specified deadlines are unacceptable. 

GAM's partnership with the company behind the project has contributed to the resumption of operations, he said, noting that the project represents “a main gateway” to Amman.

In the presence of Shawarbeh, and Chairman of Kuwait’s Bayan Holding Company and Jordan Gate Company Abdulla Abdul Mughni , the prime minister was briefed on the stages of the project’s completion, which covers an area of 222,000 square metres.

The northern tower, which consists of 38 floors, will be residential apartments, while the southern tower will serve as a hotel, and will also host residential apartments.

The first phase of the project, which includes the completion of the 122,000-square-metre northern tower, is expected to be completed by October of next year. 

During his tour, the prime minister was briefed on the progress of the construction of a mall that will connect the two towers containing several ground floors that will be designated as parking area.