Concerning transportation between different parts of the city – what about using escalators to move uphill or downhill? In many cities around the world you find public escalators – among others, there are some very beautiful ones in Lissabon. Actually, in Amman you can find quite a few escalators which serve the same purpose. They are usually part of private buildings and not really public,
although people use them as if they were public. I think that escalators for Amman deserve a serious reflection. And the existing escalators could also be interesting for a journalistic story. Amman is not only about stairs.

Soon more

Martina

Concerning transportation between different parts of the city – what about using escalators to move uphill or downhill? In many cities around the world you find public escalators – among others, there are some very beautiful ones in Lissabon. Actually, in Amman you can find quite a few escalators which serve the same purpose. They are usually part of private buildings and not really public,
although people use them as if they were public. I think that escalators for Amman deserve a serious reflection. And the existing escalators could also be interesting for a journalistic story. Amman is not only about stairs.

Soon more

Martina

I really hope that Downtown doesn’t turn into another Abdoun or Shmeisani. I’m curious to learn about the many shop owners and residents that will probably be forced to move to the outskirts of town (and probably repeat the same old adage again).

I really hope that Downtown doesn’t turn into another Abdoun or Shmeisani. I’m curious to learn about the many shop owners and residents that will probably be forced to move to the outskirts of town (and probably repeat the same old adage again).

But I hope that the feel and character of the Balad is maintained. We can see from the Raghdan bus station example (and numerous examples around the city) that despite the promises and assurances from local government that the changes are made to benefit a few elite, and not to benefit the majority of people who currently work, live, and shop in the Balad.

Simple initiatives like providing small grants to shop owners to re-make their store fronts, or for new signs do wonders for renewing thriving but rundown areas.

Unfortunately these ideas aren’t funded by international agencies who are only interested in short-term impact. And just look at how’s paying for all the ‘improvements.’

Either, fantastic reporting Nicholas. Jordan needs more of this.

But I hope that the feel and character of the Balad is maintained. We can see from the Raghdan bus station example (and numerous examples around the city) that despite the promises and assurances from local government that the changes are made to benefit a few elite, and not to benefit the majority of people who currently work, live, and shop in the Balad.

Simple initiatives like providing small grants to shop owners to re-make their store fronts, or for new signs do wonders for renewing thriving but rundown areas.

Unfortunately these ideas aren’t funded by international agencies who are only interested in short-term impact. And just look at how’s paying for all the ‘improvements.’

Either, fantastic reporting Nicholas. Jordan needs more of this.