The Reform Secretariat at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, in partnership with the World Bank and in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC), convened a stakeholders’ consultation session on Thursday, 19 June, to discuss Jordan’s current design standards and guidelines for public transport infrastructure, including bus stops. The session also focused on reviewing the draft National Framework to Enhance Women’s Access to Safe, Accessible, and Equitable Public Transport. This initiative forms part of the Government of Jordan’s broader reform agenda and aligns with key priorities outlined in the Economic Modernization Vision and the Engendered Strategy. The study is supported by the Jordan Growth MDTF and the World Bank.
This framework was created following a comprehensive technical assessment under the Enhancing Women’s Economic Opportunities (EWEO) program, which identified critical gaps in Public Transport infrastructure, including Bus stops’ safety, and accessibility standards for women and vulnerable groups in Jordan's public transport system.
Representatives from government entities, municipalities, and the international community participated in the session to discuss the initial findings of the assessment. These included international good practices in the design of bus stops as well as several challenges in the existing designs, such as inadequate lighting, lack of pedestrian pathways, and limited facilities like benches and shelters, all of which disproportionately affect women’s access to economic opportunities and essential social and health services, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The session also addressed concerns related to conduct in public transport and the overall journey experienced by women when using public transport.
The developed framework outlines actionable strategies for improving safety and accessibility, aim to create a more inclusive, safe, accessible and climate-resilient transport system. It provides practical tools for urban planners, government entities, and civil society organizations to promote safer public transport in line with Jordan’s national transport strategies (2024–2028).
