Saudi to create new public transport project with more than 400 buses in Makkah

A new public transport system, which will feature over 400 buses, is set to be opened in Makkah to serve both pilgrims and residents in the city.

A prototype of the public transport bus was inaugurated by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, governor of Makkah Region, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Saturday.

#فيديو?
أمير مكة #خالد_الفيصل
خلال تدشين نموذج حافلات النقل العام بالعاصمة المقدسة
في #معرض_مشروعات_مكة_الرقمي
بحضور نائبه الأمير #بدر_بن_سلطان pic.twitter.com/oYrWvKr263

— إمارة منطقة مكة المكرمة (@makkahregion) June 12, 2021

The project will include 240 regular buses that can accommodate up to 85 seats, and 160 buses with a capacity of 125 seats.

The buses will be equipped with environment protection systems which reduce Euro-4 carbon emissions, protection systems through surveillance cameras inside and outside the bus, a collision-avoidance system, electronic screens showing the destination to be reached, as well as a hydraulic system to help people with special needs, and places for strollers and people with special needs.

The vehicles will also have wifi services and an audio-visual system displaying trip information to the passengers.

The bus network consists of two stages – the first phase will include 12 lines and approximately 83 stops, in which medium-sized buses will be used.

The other five lines will be express lines with dedicated tracks, stretching across 172km with approximately 342 stops, in which buses of greater capacity will be used.

The buses will operate for an average of 22 hours per day.

The project also includes the construction of a bus accommodation station, which includes control building, drivers management building, gas station, light maintenance workshop, bus washing and maintenance station, heavy maintenance workshop, bus stops, drivers housing facilities.

The new transportation system aims to accommodate the transportation needs resulting from the expected growth in the population in Makkah and in the number of visitors to the Grand Holy Mosque and the holy sites and support economic development in Makkah.

It will also provide easy access to the Grand Holy Mosque, educational and health facilities, commercial and recreational areas, and contribute to reducing pollution and protecting the environment by reducing dependence on small cars as a means of transportation, the SPA report added.