Amman’s traffic woes have been a long-standing issue, but with rapid urbanization and a growing population, the problem has reached new heights. The city’s ageing road network is struggling to keep up, and experts are calling for urgent solutions to prevent gridlock from becoming the norm.

The Heart of the Problem: More Cars, Same Old Roads

Ahmad Omari, a civil engineering professor and traffic expert, points out that Amman’s traffic jams stem from a basic imbalance: too many cars on too few roads. As the city has expanded, the infrastructure hasn’t kept pace, leaving narrow streets and limited lanes to bear the brunt of the traffic. Without alternative routes or more capacity, the city’s roads are now overwhelmed, particularly during peak hours.

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But Omari doesn’t just diagnose the problem—he offers solutions. He suggests that Amman must embrace intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to better manage the flow of vehicles. These systems, which include real-time monitoring and adaptive traffic signals, could make a significant difference in optimizing the current road network. In addition, he advocates for congestion pricing as a way to control the number of vehicles on the road, especially during busy times.

Rethinking Urban Design

Beyond technology, Omari emphasizes the need for smarter urban planning. He believes that by encouraging mixed-use zoning and higher-density development near transit hubs, Amman could reduce its reliance on private vehicles. This kind of sustainable development could ease the pressure on the city’s roads and make commuting more efficient for everyone.

Mamoun Sabah, a mechanical engineer and traffic specialist, also weighs in on the issue. He stresses the importance of designing roads that can handle current and future traffic volumes. Sabah suggests improving intersections by optimizing traffic light timing as a straightforward yet effective way to alleviate congestion. But he also underscores a less obvious solution: public education. He believes that raising awareness about traffic rules and encouraging better driving behavior could have a real impact on reducing jams.

The Economic Angle: Fuel Prices and Traffic

There’s also an economic factor at play. Energy and oil expert Hashem Aqel explains how fuel prices directly influence traffic patterns in Amman. When gasoline prices rise, people tend to drive less, which temporarily eases congestion. But when prices drop, more cars flood the streets. Aqel also highlights the seasonal spike in traffic during the summer, when over 200,000 additional vehicles, including those of tourists and expatriates, hit the roads. This seasonal influx not only worsens traffic but also leads to more accidents and faster wear and tear on infrastructure.

The Daily Struggle of Commuters

For many residents, traffic is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a daily challenge. Hanna Salloum, who commutes from Fuheis to Wadi Saqra, describes his journey as a slow crawl through congested streets. What should be a straightforward drive often turns into an hour-long ordeal, thanks in part to the chaotic driving habits of other commuters. Frequent lane changes, aggressive driving, and general disregard for traffic rules all contribute to the problem, making an already bad situation even worse.

Amman’s traffic troubles are a complex issue, but with the right mix of technology, urban planning, and public awareness, there’s hope for a smoother ride in the future. As the city continues to grow, it’s clear that creative and forward-thinking solutions will be essential to keeping Amman moving.