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400 buses to be part of the transport system aimed at easing access to the Grand Mosque and supporting economic development
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The buses are equipped with environmental protection systems that reduce Euro-4 carbon emissions
JEDDAH: A public transport bus system in Makkah, whose prototype was inaugurated on Saturday, will serve both citizens and pilgrims and visitors of the holy city by introducing an integrated service system in line with the kingdom’s Vision 2030, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Makkah governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who inaugurated the bus, was briefed about the operational mechanism of the new transport system, which will cater to the needs of the city’s growing population and the visitors to the Grand Mosque and other holy sites.
The SPA report said the system will also support economic development in the city besides providing easy access to educational and health facilities, commercial and recreational areas, and contribute to reducing pollution and protecting the environment by reducing dependence on small cars.
The first of the two stages of the network will consist of 12 lines and about 83 stops in which medium-sized buses are used, while the other five lines will be express lines with dedicated tracks, a length of 172 km and about 342 stops, in which buses of greater capacity and frequency will be used.
The report said that the project also includes operating more than 400 buses, including 240 regular buses that can accommodate up to 85 seats each, and 160 buses with a capacity of 125 seats each.
Also part of the project is a bus accommodation station, which includes a control building, drivers’ management building, gas station, light maintenance workshop, bus washing and maintenance station, heavy maintenance workshop, bus stops and drivers’ housing.