The Ministry of Education and a coalition of local and international companies signed the final operational agreement on Tuesday in Ma’an Governorate for the "School Transport Proof of Concept" project in the Southern Badia and Aqaba regions. This marks the commencement of the project’s implementation at the start of the upcoming academic year.
اضافة اعلان
Project Objectives and Scope
The agreement aims to regulate the contractual relationship between the two parties to implement a government-led school transport model in partnership with the private sector. The service will transport public school students, teachers, and staff within the operational zones.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, and representatives of the participating companies. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Investment, Dr. Tariq Abu Ghazaleh, the Governor of Ma’an, Khaled Al-Hajjaj, and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Sahar Al-Shakhatreh.
The project is part of a government initiative to modernize the school transport system by providing safe, regular, and free transportation for students. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on families, improve student attendance, and support the overall educational process, with plans for a gradual nationwide expansion.
A Qualitative Shift in Education
During the signing ceremony, Dr. Mahafzah stated that the project represents a qualitative step in supporting the education sector and improving the learning environment. He emphasized that the project addresses one of the most significant challenges facing families—school transport—through sustainable solutions that ensure students reach their schools safely.
Phase One Statistics:
156 modern buses to be deployed.
61 schools to be served.
Approximately 9,000 male and female students included.
Nearly 900 administrative and teaching staff members to benefit.
The project includes an integrated safety framework, specialized training for drivers and bus assistants, and buses equipped with the latest safety technologies, including electronic tracking and surveillance systems. Additionally, a unified free mobile application will allow parents to monitor their children's commutes.
Economic and Investment Impact
Minister of Investment Dr. Tariq Abu Ghazaleh highlighted that the free school transport project serves as a practical model for effective Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). He noted that the project is not only about service delivery but also about economic stimulation, as the first phase is expected to create 300 direct job opportunities, particularly in the Southern Badia regions.
Global Expertise
Representatives of the corporate coalition confirmed that they bring extensive experience from similar projects implemented across several Arab countries in the region. They emphasized that the project will adhere to the highest technical and operational standards to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and service quality.
