AMMAN — The Cabinet, during a session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Sunday, approved the implementation of the second phase of the intercity and Amman public transport development project.

 

The phase would cover seven main routes: Amman–Tafilah, Amman–Maan, Amman–Ajloun, Zarqa–Mafraq, Zarqa–Irbid, Jerash–Mafraq, and Irbid–Jerash. A total of 180 buses will operate on these routes, serving more than 13,000 passengers daily, according to a Prime Ministry statement.

 

The project builds on the success of the first phase and aims to create an integrated national public transport network covering most governorates, addressing geographic connectivity gaps, and enhancing mobility between the southern, central, and northern governorates. University students and daily commuters are expected to benefit significantly from the service, the statement read.

 

The phase also expands the application of smart transport systems, electronic payment, GPS tracking, and CCTV monitoring to ensure service quality and punctuality. The total annual cost of the phase is estimated at JD5.76 million, provided as operational support by the government.

 

The Land Transport Regulatory Authority will oversee contracting, support, and performance standards, while the Integrated Multi-Transport Company will manage project operations. Amman Vision Transport Company will operate smart transport systems and electronic payments, the statement read.

 

The Cabinet approved the justifications for the 2026 rental service licensing bylaw, aligning with the Passenger Transport Regulation Law No. 19 of 2017. The bylawregulates and licenses vehicles for passenger transport, particularly for foreign tourists, and sets conditions for companies, offices, and vehicle categories, including buses, cars, and motorcycles used in tourist groups.

 

The Cabinet also approved the establishment of duty-free zones in business and passenger lounges at Queen Alia International Airport and Amman Civil Airport. The move aims to enhance services for investors and business travellers, and to open opportunities for new investments at these locations, the statement said.

 

The Cabinet also endorsed the 2026–2030 National Multi-Sectoral Plan to prevent and respond to child protection issues and domestic violence against women and girls. The plan will be implemented by relevant government and non-government institutions and provides a comprehensive framework for early prevention, effective response, rehabilitation, and institutional coordination.

 

The plan aligns with the Economic Modernisation Vision, the National Social Protection Strategy, and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s international commitments. It focuses on enhancing multi-sectoral services, developing legislative and institutional frameworks, ensuring sustainable financing, and strengthening prevention and community empowerment.

 

The Cabinet approved resolutions for lands hosting refugee camps that are privately owned to resolve ongoing legal disputes and reduce financial burdens on the Treasury.

 

Citizen-owned lands with camps in the capital, Zarqa, and Madaba will be exchanged for Treasury-owned lands of equal value. Similar exchanges will apply to lands in Irbid, Balqa, and Jerash.

 

Treasury-owned lands encroached upon outside Hittin Camp will be incorporated within camp boundaries and managed by the Palestinian Affairs Department. The Land and Survey Department will prepare a detailed study of proposed land exchanges, while the Palestinian Affairs Department will negotiate directly with landowners and implement temporary leases.

 

The Cabinet also exempted ambulances equipped for people with disabilities from the 48 per cent special tax, reducing it to zero.

 

The Cabinet approved the 2026 draft law amending the Constitutional Court Law to align membership requirements with the Constitution. Members must have served as judges, law professors, experienced lawyers, or specialists meeting Senate criteria.

 

The amendment also allows for the appointment of regular judges to support the court’s technical office.