Aqaba, Sep. 28 (Petra) – The Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Investment at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Muhammad Abu Omar, said the Cabinet’s decision to reduce permit and licensing fees for public transportation in Aqaba by 50 percent will lower operational costs and improve service quality.

In a statement to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on Sunday, Abu Omar said the decision covers taxis as well as medium and large buses operating in the governorate.

He highlighted that the launch of a new smart application system represents a major shift in Aqaba’s transportation sector, enabling visitors and residents to access services at transparent prices and ensuring more disciplined, higher-quality operations.

Abu Omar noted that the new system will help regulate fares and enhance safety standards compared with traditional methods, which often suffered from inconsistent pricing and limited oversight.

He said the Authority’s plan to modernize Aqaba’s transport sector goes beyond vehicle upgrades to include improving infrastructure, organizing parking areas, and strengthening monitoring and supervision of operators. This integrated approach aims to establish a modern transport system aligned with Aqaba’s growing tourism and economic profile.

Abu Omar added that the ASEZA is currently rehabilitating and developing the internal bus complex behind Princess Salma Park, with completion expected by the end of October. A tender has also been issued to develop the bus park in the ninth residential area to ease congestion and organize bus parking for visitors and tourists.

He further said designs are underway to develop the external travel and bus complex opposite the internal complex to provide essential services to passengers. According to the ASEZA figures, Aqaba’s public transport network includes 89 buses operated by several companies and 517 licensed taxis.

//Petra// AJ