Link to PTRC: www.ptrc.gov.jo/ and to Amman municipality transport department: www.ammancity.gov.jo/en/services/tran.asp
NEW: City Group from Kuwait took a 51% interest in Autobus on May 2, 2010 (see press release below).
In 1975 the Public Transport Corporation was founded. It started with Mercedes-Benz O302 buses, adding MAN FOC some years later. Private operators continued to operate alongside. The company slowly detariorated and private operators took over. At the beginning of the new millennium, the government announced it wanted to retain the role of regulation and monotoring, whilst leaving the areas of service provision and operation to the private sector. To this end the Public Transport Regulatory Commission (PTRC) was established in 2001. The Commission reports directly to the ministry and until recently, maintained regulatory control, including licensing, over the entire public-transport system inside the capital and across the Kingdom. However, in a surprise move, a temporary law was passed, transferring regulatory authority of the public-transport sector within the capital to the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), with Mayor Omar Maani at the helm. The activities of the sector in areas of the Kingdom outside of the capital remained, according to the new legislation, within the regulatory purview of the PTRC. After PTRC was formed private operatores started in Amman. The largest one was Asia Transport Co, the others were Al-Thilal, Al Tawfiq and TELL. Comprehensive Multiple Transport Company (CMTC) was established in 2005 to play the role of both a holding company and an operator. Shortly after its establishment, CMTC proceeded to acquire four other operators (Asia Transport Co / Al Thilal / Al Tawfiq / Tell), together with four wholly-owned subsidiaries. The new company was called Autobus. GAM owns a 20% stake in Autobus, in a situation that manifests the government’s recent focus on, and encouragement of, public-private partnerships (PPP). All the buses were repainted, branded and some of the newest technology in the field were installed. There are currently (2009) 42 routes, 32 of which begin and end within Amman. The other 10 routes begin outside of Amman, in nearby areas, but end within Amman. To improve services Autobus has introduced new Mercedes-Benz -ELBA buses in 2008/2009, with the last batch in low-entry configuration. In addition, at least three private companies operate (peri)urban services with new, white mid-sized Hyundai Aerotown buses.
A Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) is being developed. Works started on July 15, 2010. See: http://www.ammanbrt.jo/default.asp
City Group Co Press release
2 May, 2010: City Group Co. (CGC), Kuwait's leading listed public transport company, announced today the completion of its acquisition of 51% of Autobus (Comprehensive Multiple Transport Company - CMTC) of Amman. The transaction was achieved through a JD15 million (KD6.2 million) capital injection. Present at the completion ceremony in Amman were the Group Chairman of CGC, Mr. Yacoub Al Sharhan, and CMTC Chairman, Mr. George Abu Khader, as well as senior executives from both companies. Speaking at today’s announcement, Mr Al Sharhan said: "Today"s agreement represents a very exciting and unique opportunity for CGC, in partnership with CMTC, the Abu Khader Group and the Jordanian government.
"CGC has had a long and successful involvement in the development and growth of the public transport sector in Kuwait. Working closely together, I am confident that we can use our expertise to help unlock CMTC's full potential and deliver a modern, safe, affordable and reliable public transport system which is tailored for the growing needs of the people of Jordan."
Mr Abu Khader said: "After extensive discussions over the past twelve months, we gladly welcome the entry of CGC into CMTC as a strategic partner, one that is particularly well-positioned to contribute significant expertise in helping to develop our public transport services. With our new partner we are looking forward to continuing the strong progress already achieved towards His Majesty’s vision of a safe, reliable and affordable public transport system for Jordan."
Established in 1977 in Kuwait, CGC is a leading provider of safe, affordable, country-wide, public transportation. In 2009, through its Citybus division, CGC provided services to approximately 34 million passengers. CGC's Citybus division started route operations in 2002 as Kuwait's first private sector public transport company. Now, with a 40% share of the Kuwaiti market, CGC is currently Kuwait's second largest public transport company, operating a fleet of 585 buses in Kuwait for scheduled and charter operations.
CGC's acquisition of a 51% stake in CMTC represents CGC's first major step towards achieving its objective of becoming one of the region's leading regional public transportation groups. Kuwait-based GulfMerger advised CGC in this particular acquisition, acting as CGC's sole buy-side advisor.
CMTC was established in 2005 with a paid-up capital of JD20 million (KD8.2 million). Since then CMTC has developed into a leading public transport company operating across Jordan. Together with four wholly-owned subsidiaries, CMTC is licensed to operate over 400 buses. In 2009 it operated across 43 public transport lines across the Kingdom and will expand operations across an additional 24 lines during the course of 2010. In 2009, CMTC's fleet provided public transportation services to over 23.3 million passengers across its network.
|
The above is partly based on an article in the Jordan Business of March 2008.
|