Jeddah: Mayor of Jeddah and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jeddah Transport Company Saleh bin Ali Al-Turki yesterday inaugurated the new phase of the public bus transport project in Jeddah. The inauguration took place during an official ceremony held at the company’s headquarters, in the presence of several officials.
According to Saudi Press Agency, CEO of Jeddah Transport Company Eng. Youssef Alsayegh reviewed the components of the project through a presentation, detailing the new phase, which includes the operation of 91 modern buses. Among these are 88 buses powered by environmentally friendly diesel (Euro 5 standard) with a capacity of 41 seated and 50 standing passengers, in addition to three electric buses with a capacity of 34 seated and 38 standing passengers. All buses are equipped with special facilities for people with disabilities.
Alsayegh noted that the buses were manufactured by one of the world’s leading bus manufacturers and added that the new buses offer a high level of technology and comfort. Features include USB ports for charging mobile devices, internal screens displaying routes, 14 internal and external surveillance cameras, and a GPS tracking system linked to an operational control panel that enhances operational efficiency and safety.
The project has expanded its service by increasing the number of routes to 14, covering wider areas of the city, and increasing the number of stops to 80. Additionally, 117 air-conditioned stations have been established, with 46 existing and 71 new stations under procurement.
The CEO also referred to launching the “Jeddah Buses” mobile app on the Apple Store and Google Play, offering a comprehensive digital experience that includes real-time bus tracking and e-ticket purchasing, with flexible payment options either through the app or directly on the buses using Mada cards.
He added that the total number of passengers anticipated during this phase exceeds 27 million over three years, with an average of nine million passengers annually. This reflects growing confidence in the service and supports the Kingdom’s efforts to reduce reliance on private vehicles and achieve environmental sustainability in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.
