Khaberni - Dr. Yousef Al-Shawarbeh, the head of the Greater Amman Municipality committee, inspected today, Sunday, the pilot operation of the new electric buses launched as part of the "Green Track" in the Tariq station for the Rapid Bus project, accompanied by the British Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Philip Hall, and the Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Gretchen Perry.
During the visit, Al-Shawarbeh reviewed a detailed explanation of the operational performance of the electric buses, which were operated for the first time during the trial phase in the public transport system through the Rapid Bus route number (106) connecting Raghadan tourist complex with Sowaylha station.
He also listened to a briefing on the efficiency, environmental, and technical safety standards of the buses, which are intended to enhance sustainable and environmentally friendly public transport services.
Al-Shawarbeh said that launching electric buses on Rapid Bus route number (106) represents a step towards more sustainable and modern public transport, pointing out that this step confirms the commitment of the Greater Amman Municipality to its vision as a smart and environmentally friendly city, where modern electric buses contribute to reducing carbon emissions, increasing the efficiency of the public transport network, and providing economic solutions by reducing operational costs.
In turn, British Ambassador Hall stated that the United Kingdom is committed to supporting Jordan in its efforts to reduce emissions and address climate change, noting that the Green Climate Fund, one of the largest contributors of which is the United Kingdom, provided the funding that enabled the Greater Amman Municipality to purchase fifteen electric buses, which will provide better transportation service, with fewer emissions, thereby mitigating global warming, and will also help reduce congestion, providing broader opportunities for everyone to access education and work, especially for women and youth.
Perry said that launching the first fleet of electric buses in the city is a pioneering step that places Amman at the forefront of clean urban mobility in the region, noting that this achievement is the result of a partnership between the Greater Amman Municipality and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the High Impact Partnership on Climate Action (HIPCA), as well as the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
She also affirmed that the European Bank is proud to provide partial financing to support a project that demonstrates Amman's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and providing reliable and accessible public transportation for everyone.
It should be noted that the Greater Amman Municipality had launched the new route for the Rapid Bus service, number (106), which connects Raghadan tourist complex with Sowaylha station, stretching 18.6 kilometers, passing through several equipped stations with all services and seating areas, using modern and environmentally friendly electric buses for the first time as part of the public transport fleet.
All electric buses were also equipped with smart Rapid Bus services, such as free internet, monitoring systems, electronic payment methods, as well as facilities designed for use by people with disabilities.
The new route (106) operates throughout the day, with trips between Raghadan and Sowaylha every 20 minutes from 6 AM to 10 PM.
