Transit-Oriented Neighborhoods in Amman

The Transit-Oriented Neighborhoods (TOD) project is a strategic, comprehensive plan for advancing transit-oriented development (TOD) in Amman, a city of 4.3 million people, nearly half of Jordan’s total population. Amman faces significant urban challenges, including inefficient transportation, traffic congestion, urban sprawl, climate vulnerabilities, and social inequities. This plan presents a holistic strategy that integrates transportation and urban planning to create a more sustainable, livable, connected city and foster sustainable urban development.

The plan envisions “transforming Amman’s urban landscape” by:

• Expanding of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to improve public transport accessibility
• Enhancing pedestrian connectivity and public spaces to encourage walkability
• Leveraging mobility challenges as opportunities for innovative urban design and community engagement.

The plan outlines a comprehensive methodology that prioritizes interventions in two key locations:

• Sweileh District: developing TOD solutions around the Sweileh Terminal, improving access to public transit.
• Al-Yarmouk Neighborhood: enhancing first-last mile connectivity, addressing challenges such as hilly terrain, limited green and public spaces, and limited access to BRT stops.

The proposal encompasses a comprehensive urban vision that integrates social, environmental, and connectivity strategies. It aims to enhance public spaces and green infrastructure while addressing existing urban deficiencies in the targeted areas.

By incorporating spatial analysis, the project identifies high-impact zones for TOD interventions, selecting projects based on a range of criteria, like population impact, land ownership, and co-benefits such as expanded green spaces and enhanced public health.

The plan explores three scenarios (A, B, and C) to simulate how stop placements and pedestrian improvements affect accessibility. These insights serve as a strategic roadmap to ensure the BRT system optimizes urban mobility and benefits the largest number of residents. The anticipated outcomes are transformative, with an integrated approach designed to establish a network of interconnected, accessible streets and public spaces.

Enhanced accessibility is anticipated to boost public transport usage, reducing reliance on cars and easing congestion; create an equitable urban environment with improved accessibility for all; and support Amman’s climate resilience, promoting sustainable urban growth.

The plan was initiated by the World Bank and Greater Amman Municipality (GAM). The projects and interventions in the plan are designed by Ecosistema Urbano. It is funded through the Quality Infrastructure Investment (QII) Partnership, a collaboration between the World Bank and the Government of Japan that was established in 2016 to provide grant support to incorporate the QII Principles in World Bank infrastructure projects in developing countries and raise awareness of the quality dimensions of infrastructure.