Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh on Tuesday inaugurated the trial operation of the first route of the Bus Rapid Transit project, marking the completion of this vital public transport project in the capital, Amman, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Khasawneh listened to a briefing from Amman Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh on the importance of this public transport project in Amman. 

The bus route begins at Sweileh Passenger Station, through Queen Rania Al Abdullah Street to the Sports City Roundabout Station, to Sharif Nasser Bin Jameel Street to Wadi Saqra to Rabieh, then to Fifth Circle, Princess Basma Street and Wadi Abdoun, all the way to the Museum Station in Ras Al Ain. The route stretches a distance of 16 kilometres, with a regular frequency of trips and five minutes between each trip. 

During his visit to the passenger terminal in Sweileh, the PM described the project as a tangible achievement that meets the people’s need for a safe and comfortable public transport system. He stressed the importance of it operating effectively to increase people’s confidence in public transport services. 

He also stressed that in implementation of the Royal directives, improving the quality of public transport services is a top priority for the government. 

He voiced his confidence in the project’s ability to decrease the number of traffic crises by reducing the use of private buses and adopting the project as a means of passenger movement and transportation. 

The prime minister toured the Sweileh passenger station, accompanied by Minister of Public Works and Housing Yahya Kisbi and the Minister of Transport Wajih Azaizeh.

Khasawneh was briefed on the readiness of the route, the engineering and traffic plans, the ticket counter and the control system for the bus route. The control system is also equipped with surveillance cameras to ensure the comfort of passengers.

Shawarbeh said that the buses will provide wireless Internet services, security from monitoring cameras inside the buses and accommodations for fully electronic payments. The buses also provide designated spaces for people with special needs.

The prime minister boarded one of the passenger buses that sets off from Sweileh towards Queen Rania Street to the pick-up and drop-off station in front of the University of Jordan.

The prime minister stressed the importance of bus users adhering to public health and safety procedures, and ensuring that bus drivers receive the coronavirus vaccine.