Latest news with #LandTransportRegulatoryCommission
Jordan News
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Jordan News
Launch of Training and Qualification Project for Drivers and Workers in the Land Transport Sector - Jordan News
The Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) announced in a press statement the launch of a training and qualification program for drivers and workers in the land transport sector, starting from July 1st. The initiative comes in implementation of the laws and regulations governing the land transport sector and aims to enhance the efficiency of its workforce. اضافة اعلان The project aims to improve road safety in the Kingdom, reduce traffic accidents, and raise the professional standards of workers in the transportation sector. The Commission clarified that the program includes drivers operating in the following categories: tourist and rental transport, public transport by buses and minibuses, school transport for educational institutions and private schools, public service small passenger cars, and heavy freight vehicles. The LTRC explained that this initiative is in line with Article (24) of the 2017 Public Passenger Transport Law, which outlines the qualification requirements for passenger transport drivers and mandates the completion of specified training courses. It also enforces Article (9) of the amended Regulation No. (46) of 2024 concerning driver licensing, which stipulates the necessity for drivers to present proof of having completed the required course for the type of transport in which they are employed. The Commission noted that the cost of the training course is only 20 Jordanian dinars, paid once, and the issued certificate will be valid for five years from the date of issuance. The LTRC confirmed that the Jordan Traffic Institute and the Royal Automobile Club are ready to conduct these courses across the Kingdom's governorates, provided there are sufficient numbers of participants in each location, in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Ammon
22-06-2025
- Business
- Ammon
Cabinet approves JD4.1 mln to subsidise operational costs for public transport operators
Ammon News - The Council of Ministers decided to approve the Ministry of Transport's implementation of necessary procedures to restructure the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) to define the roles, tasks and responsibilities between the Ministry and the LTRC. Under the proposed restructuring, a study will be conducted to establish a Board of Commissioners for the LTRC, similar to the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC), enhancing the commission's independence, governance and its vital service and economic roles. Relevant legislation will be amended accordingly. The new Board of Commissioners will consist of the Chairperson, the Commissioner for Passenger Transport, the Commissioner for Freight Transport and the Commissioner for Rail Transport. Additionally, there is potential to include a Specialised Transport Commissioner to oversee other modes such as tourism, school and university transport, smart applications and more. The goal is to reduce workload and emphasise the emerging transport models. This restructuring follows a comprehensive study of the current state of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission, its mandated tasks, challenges and obstacles. The objective is to improve the commission's efficiency and effectiveness in advancing the Kingdom's transport system, which alligns with the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision. Recent developments in the transport sector include the launch of scheduled services between several governorates, supported by treasury funds, such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) connecting Amman to Madaba. The Council of Ministers approved to earmark JOD4.1 million to subsidise operational costs for public transport operators from June through the end of the year, based on global fuel prices. The Ministry of Transport and the Land Transport Regulatory Commission will develop the implementation mechanism. Support will be disbursed monthly at rates of JOD100 for a medium-sized bus, JOD170 for a large bus, and JOD60 for small vehicles. The Council decided to exempt Syrian buses entering Jordan from fuel subsidies (diesel), set at JOD80 per bus carrying more than eight passengers, contingent upon reciprocity from the Syrian side to benefit both Jordanian and Syrian operators, reinforcing cooperation between the two countries to enhance trade and transport. On tourism, the Council approved the draft Tourist Guide Services Regulations for 2025 and the amended Tourist Guide Association Regulations for 2025, preparing them for submission to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for approval. The regulations implement provisions of the amended Tourism Law No. (9) of 2024, which replaces licensing requirements with classification and registration via electronic applications, streamlining the licensing process. Regarding agricultural projects, the Council assigned the Ministry of Water and Irrigation/Jordan Valley Authority to set a maximum land lease of 4,000 dunams in the Wadi Araba region for investment, with exceptions possible based on project viability. This aims to stimulate economic activity, attract investments and create jobs in the area, supporting the goals of the Economic Modernisation Vision. The Council approved allocations of land in Al-Ghamr, Umm Mithla, Al-Risha, and Gharandal for food security projects, agricultural ponds and partnership expansion, contributing to national food security and optimising land use. To enhance healthcare services, the Council authorised the Ministry of Health to proceed with establishing the new Ajloun Comprehensive Health Centre, scheduled for completion in 2026 at a cost of JOD1 million. This aligns with the Quality of Life pillar of the Economic Modernisation Vision. In environmental efforts, the Council approved a $1.1 million agreement with the United Nations Human Settlements Program for urban greening and afforestation in Sahab, Zarqa Governorate. The project aims to develop sustainable, resilient urban environments, improve public spaces and address environmental challenges posed by urban expansion. As part of water infrastructure development, the government approved an investment grant from the Dutch government valued at €30 million for the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project, which aims to supply 300 million cubic meters of potable water annually to address the Kingdom's water shortage. In energy and mineral resources, the Council approved the Jordan National Petroleum Company's retention of dues amounting to JOD3.4 million from 2024 revenues to support the Risha gas field development, including drilling 80 wells to increase production. The company aims to reach a production target of 418 million cubic feet per day by 2030. Furthermore, the Council approved land use agreements with Philadelphia Solar (Jordan) and Enertag (Germany) to prepare feasibility studies for green hydrogen projects, part of the government's strategy to develop renewable energy sources. To stimulate economic activity, the Council decided to exempt companies and taxpayers from fines and fees related to installment payments of income and sales taxes, provided dues are settled by the end of 2025. This measure aims to ease financial burdens and support business continuity. Additionally, the Council approved establishing a duty-free shop at the sea pier of the Abu Dhabi Ports Company's "New Port" in Aqaba, enhancing border trade and tourism services, in line with existing agreements with the Jordan Duty Free Shops Company. The Council approved an amended regulation for licensing exchange companies in 2025, allowing them to expand activities, including electronic money transfer services. Finally, the Council endorsed the Yarmouk University Faculty Regulations for 2025 and the grounds for regulating Sufi orders and tekkes in the Kingdom. The regulation aims to organise and supervise these institutions under the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, ensuring legal oversight and preventing exploitation.
Ammon
18-05-2025
- Business
- Ammon
Uber, Careem drivers renew their complaints against companies
Ammon News - Drivers using smart transportation apps renewed their complaints about the high percentages deducted by companies for each trip. Lorans Refai, head of the Captains and Drivers Committee, pointed out that the Land Transport Regulatory Commission had previously decided to set limits and ceilings for companies' percentages, not exceeding 22% and not falling below 15%, however, the current deduction reaches 30% for each trip. Refai told "Ammon News Agency" that drivers are demanding that work permits for transportation be floated, so that permits can be issued to the same driver with any company, rather than in the name of a single company, explaining that both Uber and Careem hold approximately 11,500 driver permits out of a total of 13,000, in addition to reducing permit fees to JD200 annually, instead of JD400. The government had tasked the Land Transport Regulatory Commission in April with activating the e-link between the systems it specifies and the smart passenger transport application systems, and updating the instructions for licensing companies and granting permits to achieve service quality and compliance standards and enhance competitiveness in this mode. However, the authority has not issued any such statement to date, he added. Also, the drivers are calling for the vehicle's service life to be extended to 10 years and for the maximum driver age limit to be increased from 60 to 65. In addition, he stated that if their demands continue to be ignored, drivers will be forced to intensify their protests—beginning with sit-ins and partial strikes, and eventually parking their cars at home and not moving them for the benefit of companies. For her part, Abla Washah, spokesperson for the Land Transport Regulatory Commission, confirmed that the commission is reviewing the drivers' demands and is not standing against them. Washah told "Ammon News Agency" that the commission respects all parties, noting that all demands are under review and that it will do what is in the best interest of all parties. The commission had previously responded to drivers' demands and increased the operational lifespan of vehicles from 5 years to 7, she added.
Ammon
05-02-2025
- Business
- Ammon
Cabinet approves 50% exemption on licensing, permit fees for public transport operators
Ammon News - The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, approved on Wednesday approved a 50% exemption on licensing and permit fees for public transport operators in 2025, a measure expected to save the sector approximately JD 1.25 million. The exemption applies to large and medium public transport buses, taxis, and service vehicles regulated by the Land Transport Regulatory Commission. However, transport services under the jurisdiction of the Greater Amman Municipality and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority are excluded. Operators who have already paid fees in 2025 will receive refunds. The initiative aims to support the sector amid economic challenges, geopolitical uncertainties, and fluctuating fuel prices. Additionally, the government approved the establishment of a Passenger Transport Support Fund to enhance public transport services. The fund will finance sector development, support transport workers, encourage smart transport systems, and modernize the fleet through grants and loans. It also aims to make public transport more accessible, particularly for university students, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly, while promoting greater workforce participation, particularly among women.
