
Transport minister inspects Hajj shuttle service for pilgrims heading for Grand Mosque
MINA — Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser inspected the shuttle bus service for pilgrims to assess service quality and ensure a safe transport experience between the holy sites and the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Al-Jasser examined the shuttle service station located west of the Jamarat, which is directly linked to the Grand Mosque to facilitate pilgrim transfers for Tawaf Al-Ifadah and other rituals. A designated shuttle service track has been implemented to separate bus and pedestrian traffic, enhancing both safety and efficiency for pilgrims.
The shuttle journey takes approximately 20 minutes, utilizing a fleet of 100 buses, each with a capacity of 125 passengers. This system allows for a remarkable throughput of up to 20,000 passengers per hour at each station.

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