Thesis (MSc.) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Civil Engineering Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 86-92)

ABSTRACT
A functional and efficient transportation sector is unarguably a very key element in the development and growth of any nation’s economy. It has undoubtedly performed a significant role in aiding social interaction, encouraging trade and exchange of services, and in general influence the commerce sector using a significant amount of time and resources. The state of public transportation in the city of Amman can be termed as inefficient and chaotic. This is due to the practice surrounding the public transportation in the country especially regarding the layout of the various routes and giving permission and license to operate on them. This illogical practice has been in place for quite a long period of about 40years. Within the spacing of this period, several government organizations have had their fair share of impact on the public transportation sector of the country.
This situation thus leaves the quality of service to the personal prerogative of the service provider as there is no distinct framework for measuring performance, quality of service and the satisfaction of the road users. The aim of this study is to assess the performance of existing public transit services for the main route in Amman and use it as a template to improve the public transportation system throughout the entire city and the country.
The objectives are; To identify the accessibility of the current public transport system in the city, to assess the reliability of Jordanian public transportation systems, to assess the responsiveness of Jordanian public transportation systems, to study the delay due to using the public transport system, and study the variables affecting this delay to find the best solution to minimize this delay in order to reduce the trip travel time to minimum value. To design this survey, we used the recommendations and guidelines from published resources. Data was collected using questionnaires which were distributed by hand. The data collected was used to assess the tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy of Jordanian Public Transport Systems. It is concluded that the level of service of the Ammanian Public transport system is not satisfactory as the research shows 50% of the respondents stated that the bus service does not always gets to their destination on time and 35% stated that the bus timetable is not adhered to correctly.