Amman Municipality to launch mobile app for “yellow taxis”

Amman’s municipal transportation director, Riyad Al-Kharabsheh, said that plans are in place to launch a mobile phone application for regular –yellow– taxis, similar to other ride-hailing apps and services.

Speaking to Roya, Al-Kharabsheh said the app would be developed through a partnership between the private sector, the Greater Amman Municipality, taxi companies, and drivers.

The goal of launching this app, he explained, is to improve the working conditions of taxi drivers amid the rise of other ride-hailing apps, while ensuring maximum safety and privacy for both drivers and passengers.

Al-Kharabsheh acknowledged that ride-hailing apps were introduced globally to enhance service quality for passengers. He noted that the municipality has a business model in place for the app’s design and operation, emphasizing that it aligns with Amman’s broader public policies.

However, he highlighted some obstacles the project might face, including the fact that taxis in Jordan are privately owned, with multiple drivers often sharing the same vehicle across different shifts.

He cited examples from other countries, such as Turkey, the UK, and Dubai in the UAE, where similar taxi applications are already in use.

Al-Kharabsheh outlined several advantages of launching the smart taxi app in Jordan:

• Environmental benefits
• Reducing traffic congestion
• Enhancing passenger services
• Minimizing travel distances
• Securing trip information for both users and driver
• Mapping out the driver’s route
• Preventing behavior that could jeopardize the safety of passengers or drivers

He also emphasized that the municipality has multiple models for the app's development. The app is expected to offer lower costs for passengers and drivers compared to other apps, aiming for widespread adoption and usage.