AMMAN — Interior Minister Mazen Faraya on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting at the King Hussein Bridge, joined by bridge officials and the CEO of the JET Bus Company, to address growing complaints surrounding the electronic booking system for travellers.

 

The discussions focused on persistent issues such as the inability to book tickets for several days in advance, reports of passenger exploitation, and long waiting times, factors contributing to overcrowding and pressure on service delivery, the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

 

Faraya stressed the importance of thoroughly reviewing all complaints and feedback and developing effective solutions that uphold the bridge’s core mission, as a humanitarian corridor that facilitates travel for Jordanian citizens and Palestinian passengers in both directions, based on humanitarian priorities.

 

During the meeting, the minister received briefings from bridge officials and the JET CEO. It was noted that a primary cause of congestion stems from passengers arriving at the bridge much earlier than their scheduled departure time, resulting in extended waiting periods and overcrowding.

 

Officials also pointed to efforts by certain individuals, who have been negatively affected by the new system, to cast doubt on the platform's effectiveness.

 

Additionally, concerns were raised over loopholes in the electronic booking system. These include the ability of individuals to purchase an unlimited number of tickets and the frequent practice of travellers buying tickets through third parties, leading to unauthorised ticket reselling at inflated prices, exposing passengers to exploitation and creating unfair market practices.

 

Officials also pointed out that a number of individuals are crossing the bridge daily for commercial or non-priority purposes, which increases congestion, slows the flow of travellers and disrupts operations. Given the limited daily capacity of bridge users, as coordinated with the other side, this has become a growing concern.

 

Faraya directed the bridge and JET officials to implement several measures, including limiting the number of tickets each individual can purchase, ensuring tickets are issued in the name of the actual traveller, and making the e-tickets tamper-proof.

 

"The traveller’s name must also match the name in their passport, with verification carried out in coordination with security agencies and JET. Entry to the bridge area will be restricted to individuals holding valid travel tickets."

 

Faraya also called on JET to revamp the VIP travel service, transitioning it to a fully online system managed through the booking platform, rather than relying on in-person appointments. He also directed improvements to VIP service facilities and procedures to ensure smoother operations aligned with the system’s objectives.

 

To reduce crowding and wait times, the minister urged passengers to arrive at the bridge no more than 30 minutes before their departure, adding that this would help ease congestion and streamline procedures.

 

He also instructed security agencies to coordinate with the Ministry of Interior’s IT Directorate to identify individuals who frequently use the bridge for personal gain or non-priority purposes in ways that disrupt regular travel. "Appropriate measures will be taken to limit such misuse."

 

Additionally, Faraya directed the Governor of Balqa and the West Balqa Police Director to carry out ongoing security campaigns in areas around the bridge.

 

These efforts aim to apprehend lawbreakers who exploit travellers illegally. He also requested coordination with the Shouneh Al Wusta Municipality to rehabilitate the surrounding area and construct a designated parking lot, replacing roadside parking that contributes to congestion.

 

The minister toured the bridge facilities and was briefed on the services offered. He also listened directly to travellers’ concerns and emphasised the importance of addressing all complaints promptly. Faraya said that he would personally follow up on the implementation of these measures to ensure the highest quality of service for travellers.

 

JET had previously announced the launch of its online-only booking service for King Hussein Bridge travellers in June, through a platform developed in coordination with the Ministry of Interior. The digitisation of the ticketing process has contributed to improved efficiency and procedural transparency.