Latest news with #LandTransport
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Cabinet approves transport commission restructuring, green hydrogen projects
AMMAN — The Cabinet, during a session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, approved on Sunday a proposal by the Ministry of Transport to proceed with the restructuring of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission to define the complementary roles, responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms between the ministry and the commission. Under the proposed framework, the government would study the establishment of a Board of Commissioners for the commission, modelled after the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, according to a Prime Ministry statement. The move is intended to bolster the commission's independence, improve governance, and strengthen its economic and service-oriented functions, with necessary legal amendments to follow, the statement said. To support public transportation operators, the Cabinet also endorsed the allocation of JD4.1 million to subsidise operational costs for the period from June through the end of 2025, in accordance with international fuel price trends. The Land Transport Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Finance have been tasked with devising an implementation mechanism. The Council of Ministers also endorsed exempting Syrian buses entering Jordan from fuel support charges (diesel), at a rate of JD80 per bus carrying more than eight passengers. The exemption is contingent upon mutual measures by Syrian authorities and is expected to benefit transport operators on both sides. In the tourism sector, the Cabinet approved the justifications for the 2025 draft regulation on tourist guide services, as well as a draft amendment to the 2025 Tour Guides Association bylaw. Both drafts would be forwarded to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for legal review and ratification. The Cabinet also instructed the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the Jordan Valley Authority to set a ceiling of 4,000 dunums for land leases in the Wadi Araba region for investment purposes. 'Exceptions for larger areas may be granted in justified cases based on the nature and feasibility of the project, pending prior approval.' The Cabinet also approved allocating 770 dunums in the villages of Ghamr and Umm Mathla for food security projects implemented by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army. As part of its commitment to improving healthcare services, the Cabinet also approved the continuation of procedures for establishing a new comprehensive health centre in Ajloun. The project would adhere to national standards for primary and comprehensive healthcare facilities. The prime minister had announced the project during a Cabinet session in Ajloun in April, noting that the JD1 million facility is expected to be completed in 2026. The Council of Ministers also approved an agreement between the Ministry of Local Administration and UN-Habitat to implement an urban greening and afforestation project in Sahab, Zarqa Governorate. The two-year project is valued at approximately $1.1 million. As part of the government's strategic National Water Carrier Project, the Cabinet approved a 30 million euro investment grant agreement between the Jordanian government and the European Investment Bank, funded by the Dutch government. The funding would support the Aqaba-Amman water desalination and conveyance project. In the energy and mineral resources sector, the Cabinet allowed the National Petroleum Company to retain JD3.4 million in dues owed to the Treasury for 2024. The funds would be directed towards drilling 80 new wells in the Risha gas field, with the goal of increasing natural gas production. The government also approved two land-use agreements, one with Jordan's Philadelphia Solar and the other with Germany's Enertrag, to conduct feasibility studies for green hydrogen production projects. "These are part of the government's broader strategy to position Jordan as a regional hub for green hydrogen," the statement read. With these agreements, the number of approved land-use deals for hydrogen development has reached six, out of 13 memoranda of understanding previously signed with leading energy companies. The six firms have completed preliminary feasibility studies and technical reports and are now advancing to the land allocation stage, the statement said. During this phase, companies will carry out detailed measurements of renewable energy sources to prepare final feasibility studies. Investment decisions will be based on these outcomes, the statement said. To support economic activity and ease the financial burden on businesses, the Cabinet approved exemptions from fines, fees, and additional charges for companies and individuals who settle their outstanding payments to the Income and Sales Tax Department through instalments. The Cabinet also endorsed the recommendations of the Settlement and Reconciliation Committee to resolve 900 pending tax cases involving companies and individuals with financial obligations under the Income Tax and General Sales Tax Laws. In a move to boost trade and investment, the Cabinet endorsed a request to establish a duty-free market on the quay of the new port operated by Abu Dhabi Ports Company in Aqaba. The market would operate under the regulations and conditions outlined by the Special Free Zones Committee.
1News
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- 1News
The road rule Kiwis can't seem to follow – and why it matters
If you've driven anywhere in New Zealand with more than one lane, chances are you've come across the notorious right-lane hog. The driver who sticks in the right lane, going just below the speed limit, unaware or indifferent to the queues of frustrated motorists forming behind them. It's annoying, it's common — and while technically illegal, it's become one of the most flouted road rules in the country. Under New Zealand law, drivers must keep left unless they're overtaking. It's written into the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 and failing to do so could set you back $150 fine and 20 demerit points, according to the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). "There are no plans currently to review this infringement penalty," an NZTA spokesperson said. NZTA regularly pushes "keep left" messages on its Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages, racking up more than 9 million views in the past two years, but it seems many motorists continue to miss the memo. Police do issue infringements for failing to keep left, but it's not a high-priority offence, says Inspector Peter McKennie, acting director of road policing. "Police do take enforcement action for failing to keep left in some circumstances, but not to the same extent as high-risk behaviours, such as speed, impairment by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, being distracted while driving and not using seat belts or child restraints," he told 1News. There were practical considerations, McKennie said, such as drivers preparing for exits or intersections and giving room for cyclists or road workers. But even if you're going the speed limit and feel justified in staying put, drivers "need to consider keeping the way clear for emergency service vehicles". Hogging the right lane can have indirect safety impacts such as risky under-taking manoeuvres or frustrated drivers taking chances they shouldn't. "Police encourage courteous driving behaviours," he said. "Be patient and wait until the situation changes and it is safe to pass. Recognise that going a few kilometres per hour slower for a relatively short distance won't make a meaningful difference to your journey time." The AA wants to see a shift in mindset around the keep left rule, especially as New Zealand builds more multi-lane highways. AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen said the right lane should be treated as a passing lane. "Sticking to the left lane means people can easily pass slower travelling vehicles in the right, promoting efficient traffic flow," he said. "After overtaking, drivers should return to the left lane as soon as it is safe." He said passing on the right was a "more efficient manoeuvre", while passing on the left was "significantly more dangerous". "It involves driving through a larger blind spot for the vehicle you are passing on the right, which is also likely to move directly into your lane at some point." Travelling in the right lane unnecessarily showed a "lack of awareness" for other road users wanting to pass, Thomsen said. "It's important that new drivers are taught to see correct lane use not only as a legal requirement, but as part of cooperative and considerate driving behaviour." Thomsen said AA Member surveys have consistently found that slower vehicles holding up traffic is one of the top frustrations for drivers alongside red light running and texting behind the wheel. "With more multi-lane highways starting to be built in New Zealand, it is certainly an area that could have more of a focus for educating and reminding drivers to share the road well." So next time you're cruising in the right lane, ask yourself: Are you overtaking — or just in the way?
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: Land transport sector sees over 2,800 transactions in Q1
Doha, Qatar: Qatar witnessed over 2,800 transactions through its Land Transport Sector in first quarter (Q1) of this year demonstrating that the sector has become a key enabler of the country's economy. A recent post on the social media handle of the Ministry of Transport (MoT) revealed that 2,835 transactions were conducted through its Land Transport Sector in the first quarter (January-March) of shows a rise of 1.5 percent when compared to the first quarter of last year which witnessed 2,794 land transport transactions. The data revealed that in the first quarter of this year, out of the total 2,835 transactions; 931 dealt with land transport planning, 867 were related to land transport licensing, 533 transactions to transport affairs, and 504 concerning road affairs. The main services of the land transport sector include railway safety, bust stop relocation, bus service, road defects detection, safety on roads, directional signs, building permit requests, traffic impact studies, approval of land transport network planning cases. The services also include issuing preliminary approvals for limousine business activities, land transport activities, and car rental business activities. Meanwhile the Qatar witnessed 12,580 transactions through its Land Transport Sector in last year. Qatar has continued its efforts to develop a state-of-the-art transport network in line with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030. Recently, the Ministry of Transport started developing the Qatar Public Transport Master Plan (QPTMP) aimed at creating a more efficient and competitive public transportation system and striking a balance between Qatar's rapid urban growth and its commitment to sustainability, leading ultimately to a more efficient and future-ready public transit system. The QPTMP aims at improving accessibility and coverage, raising service reliability, and exploring innovative mobility solutions that keep pace with latest advancements. Bypassing conventional frameworks, the QPTMP will strategically guide the evolution of the transit system to address challenges associated with escalating vehicular dependency, congestion, and environmental impact. It will study the status quo of traffic congestion of both private vehicles and public transportation and carbon emissions and their impact on Qatar's climate quality with a view to suggesting suitable solutions. The land transport planning of the land transport sector sets the general planning policy for land and railway transport activities. It prepares the necessary studies and design plans, as well as planning the construction and development of land and railway transport networks in coordination with the relevant authorities in the State of Qatar. It also identifies the licensing requirements and fees of land and railway transport activities. The Ministry of Transport continues its extensive efforts to develop reliable, efficient and sustainable transport planning and ensure a safe and effective nationwide network of roads and highways constructed according to international standards and best practices. The mission of the Ministry consists of building an integrated and effective transport system that uses advanced technologies serving all local sectors while linking Qatar to the wider regional and international economy. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Bus Bike Rack Use Resumes All Hours In Queenstown
Press Release – Otago Regional Council The use of bike racks during the day from 7am to 6pm resumed on Queenstowns 23 buses two weeks ago, but now that all Queenstowns 23 buses have been modified and are compliant with Land Transport rules, bike racks can be used at night as well … Bike rack use on ORC's Orbus services in Queenstown resumes day and night from today, 1 May 2025. The use of bike racks during the day from 7am to 6pm resumed on Queenstown's 23 buses two weeks ago, but now that all Queenstown's 23 buses have been modified and are compliant with Land Transport rules, bike racks can be used at night as well as during the day. ORC's Manager Transport Lorraine Cheyne thanked the public for their patience and acknowledged the frustration felt by some passengers. 'We're very pleased to be able to resume the full bike rack service in Queenstown from today and we appreciate the efforts of Ritchies, our operator in Queenstown, for making the changes that allowed the full bike rack service to begin again as quickly as possible,' she says. Background A temporary night-time restriction on the use of bike racks on Dunedin and Queenstown buses started on 2 November 2024, after NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) issued a safety notice. At the time Ms Cheyne saidthe safety notice had brought to ORC's attention that carrying bikes at night could result in the lights on the buses being obscured. By implication the vehicle was deemed to be not fully compliant for use on the roads if carrying a bike, whether during daytime or at night. Although only some bus models were affected, Ms Cheyne said ORC was required to restrict the use of bike racks on all buses at all times, while all vehicles were assessed, and those that required it were modified. Last month NZTA issued an exemption that allowed buses carrying bikes to be deemed compliant during daylight when lights were not needed. However, as of today all buses on the ORC networks, in both Dunedin & Queenstown, have be assessed and modified as required, to comply with the Land Transport rule on vehicle lighting at all times when carrying bikes. She highlighted the NZTA directive was all about public safety.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Bus Bike Rack Use Resumes All Hours In Queenstown
Bike rack use on ORC's Orbus services in Queenstown resumes day and night from today, 1 May 2025. The use of bike racks during the day from 7am to 6pm resumed on Queenstown's 23 buses two weeks ago, but now that all Queenstown's 23 buses have been modified and are compliant with Land Transport rules, bike racks can be used at night as well as during the day. ORC's Manager Transport Lorraine Cheyne thanked the public for their patience and acknowledged the frustration felt by some passengers. 'We're very pleased to be able to resume the full bike rack service in Queenstown from today and we appreciate the efforts of Ritchies, our operator in Queenstown, for making the changes that allowed the full bike rack service to begin again as quickly as possible,' she says. Background A temporary night-time restriction on the use of bike racks on Dunedin and Queenstown buses started on 2 November 2024, after NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) issued a safety notice. At the time Ms Cheyne saidthe safety notice had brought to ORC's attention that carrying bikes at night could result in the lights on the buses being obscured. By implication the vehicle was deemed to be not fully compliant for use on the roads if carrying a bike, whether during daytime or at night. Although only some bus models were affected, Ms Cheyne said ORC was required to restrict the use of bike racks on all buses at all times, while all vehicles were assessed, and those that required it were modified. Last month NZTA issued an exemption that allowed buses carrying bikes to be deemed compliant during daylight when lights were not needed. However, as of today all buses on the ORC networks, in both Dunedin & Queenstown, have be assessed and modified as required, to comply with the Land Transport rule on vehicle lighting at all times when carrying bikes. She highlighted the NZTA directive was all about public safety.
