An urban infrastructure design for a light rail system in Jordan

Railways are rapidly interrupting areas that are environmentally sensitive in many regions with increased transport requirements. Proposing an efficient rail system will effectively mitigate adverse impacts on the environment and reduce costs. Railways and highways have played a significant role in recent years as a highly efficient mode of transport to satisfy the increased demand of both goods and passenger transport. Railway connectivity is currently of considerable significance for the national economy and for public travel. A number of transport initiatives are proposed to follow the current phenomenon and change the travel model to improve people’s lives and the community. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of designing an urban railway system between Zarqa and Amman, Jordan. The objective of this general concept plan is to achieve urban evolution, improve public transportation, increase accessibility to various parts of Jordan, improve the environment, and achieve economic development. This is achieved by proposing a light rail system design, through conducting a feasibility study that considers aspects related to the area and locations of the proposed track and stations, introducing interconnected subsystems, identifying constraints and proposing treatments, and studying possible future extensions. This light rail provides a good solution for metropolitan transportation, making it a suitable option for medium cities and regions of major metropolitan areas. This general concept plan may serve as a starting point for further developments in the transportation system in Jordan.