Potential Market for Integrating Amman’s Bus Rapid Transit System with Ride-hailing Services, Fixed-route Feeders, and Hybrid Models

Amman’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, launched in 2023, struggles with critically low percentage (12%) of commuters, hindered by poor first-/last-mile connectivity and disjointed integration with ride-hailing services. This study evaluates three multimodal integration strategies—ride-hailing synergy (dedicated pickup zones, fare subsidies), fixed-route feeder networks (electric shuttles in high-demand corridors), and a hybrid model dynamically balancing both—to address systemic inefficiencies. Using geospatial analysis of 1.9 million ride-hailing trips, VISUM traffic simulations, and risk assessments, the hybrid model emerged as the optimal solution. Simulations demonstrated a 25% increase in BRT ridership (from 45,000 to 56,000 daily passengers), a 20% reduction in peak-hour congestion (from 4.2 to 3.4 hours/day), and 2,000-ton annual CO₂ savings, surpassing isolated strategies. Key drivers include fare sensitivity (𝛽 ൌ 0.68), spatial demand patterns (𝑟 ൌ 0.78 in mixed-use zones), and dynamic resource allocation. Stakeholder interviews revealed barriers, like driver resistance (65% opposition) and topographic constraints. The findings advocate hybrid integration to balance efficiency and equity, offering a replicable framework for global south cities grappling with fragmented transit systems. Policy recommendations include phased subsidies, EV infrastructure investments, and regulatory reforms for data sharing. This research advances sustainable urban mobility by bridging systemic gaps in Middle Eastern transport literature and prioritizing context-sensitive solutions. Keywords: Bus rapid transit (BRT), Ride-hailing services, Feeder systems, Hybrid mobility models, Urban mobility, Geospatial analysis, Sustainable transport.