Latest news with #JeddahTransport
Arab News
08-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi crown prince meets Palestinian vice president
Jeddah public transport network expands with new buses and routes JEDDAH: In a major stride toward transforming urban mobility, Jeddah has officially launched the new phase of its public transport system. The expansion includes 91 new buses with three fully electric models, and six new bus routes. All the vehicles feature improved accessibility for passengers with disabilities. The new fleet was unveiled in a ceremony on Wednesday under the supervision of the Jeddah Transport Company in partnership with the Saudi Public Transport Company. Reflecting on the upgrade, Youssef bin Nasser Al-Sayegh, CEO of JTC, said: 'Our focus is not just on movement, but on intelligent movement. We plan to leverage data and analytics from the new GPS and dashboard systems to continually improve long-term operational efficiency and deliver a more seamless passenger experience. 'This includes improving route synchronization, adjusting timetables, and reducing unnecessary stops to enhance efficiency and increase the punctuality of bus arrivals.' The new technology is being used to analyze trip durations, delays and passenger counts in real time. By collecting and studying long-term data on passenger movement, peak hours, and high-demand areas, JTC hopes to improve services by refining routes. The network expansion has increased the number of routes from six to 14, providing better access to the city. There now more than 80 stops and 117 air-conditioned stations, with buses operating daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at SAR 3.45 per trip (including VAT), with daily, weekly, and monthly subscription options available. 'This launch is not just about numbers, it's about building confidence in public transportation,' said Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, managing director and CEO of SAPTCO. Passengers can now use the official Jeddah Buses mobile application to buy tickets and plan journeys. Looking to the future, Al-Sayegh shared a broader vision beyond 2028. He said: 'We're actively designing a public transport system that not only includes comprehensive bus routes but also introduces new modes, like the marine taxi, to enhance connectivity and make the most of Jeddah's coastal geography. 'As part of our five-year roadmap, we plan to expand coverage further into Jeddah's suburbs and northern areas, connecting key neighborhoods and alleviating pressure on high-traffic corridors. 'These developments will ensure that every resident, no matter where they live, has convenient access to sustainable transport,' he added. The marine taxi initiative, which recently began a pilot phase, presents a novel approach to alleviating road congestion by using the Red Sea as an alternative transit route. The sea taxi service is already up and running, connecting major locations like the Jeddah Yacht Club, Historic Jeddah district, and will soon begin operations in the Sharm Obhur district. 'This project is just the beginning; our goal is to expand the routes and enhance the city's connectivity along the waterfront,' he said. Al-Sayegh emphasized the project's long-term impact: 'In the future, we plan to develop 20 state-of-the-art water taxi stations that will handle up to 29,000 passengers daily, further reducing congestion and promoting maritime tourism. 'This project is not just about improving transport; it's also about enhancing the overall experience for residents, visitors, and tourists, aligning with the Kingdom's vision to modernize infrastructure and provide modern transportation solutions. 'Our integrated approach looks at how buses, future rail solutions, and maritime options can all work in sync. This is a foundation for a forward-thinking urban transport system, one that evolves with the city and its people.' Ceremony attendees were given a tour of the control room at the event, where they watched live feeds from bus stations and marine taxis, showing how the system is operated and monitored in real time.
Leaders
08-03-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Launches Jeddah Sea Taxi Trial
In a significant advancement, Saudi Arabia has officially initiated the test run of its eagerly awaited sea taxi project in Jeddah. The Mayor of Jeddah, Saleh Al-Turki, inaugurated this innovative project on Thursday, 6 March. He was joined by Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Rumaih Al-Rumaih and several other government officials. معالي #أمين_جدة يدشن #التاكسي_البحري في مدينة #جدة @JeddahAmanah @JeddahTransport — Jeddah Transport Company (JTC) شركة مواصلات جدة (@JeddahTransport) March 6, 2025 This first phase of the sea taxi project provides critical connections among three key locations in Jeddah: Jeddah Yacht Club Al-Balad Historic District Sharm Obhur District Currently, the service operates two boats: one with a capacity of 94 passengers and another seating 55 passengers. Convenient Service Hours and Accessible Pricing During the holy month of Ramadan, the sea taxi service runs daily from 3:30 pm until 1:30 am. Ticket fares vary, ranging from SR25 to SR50, while children travel for free. Notably, the boats offer dedicated access points for individuals with disabilities, accommodating up to four wheelchairs. Passengers can easily book tickets through the user-friendly Jeddah Transport Company app. Mayor Saleh Al-Turki emphasized the strategic significance of the sea taxi, describing it as a vital addition to Jeddah's tourism and maritime transport sector. This project aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, focusing on improving the nation's transport infrastructure. Furthermore, Jeddah Transport Company CEO Eng. Yousef Al-Sayegh stressed that this initiative will significantly enhance safe and efficient maritime travel. He believes it will directly contribute to an improved quality of life in Jeddah. Project Background and Financial Overview The Jeddah sea taxi project was first announced in October 2017, reflecting long-term planning to integrate maritime transport into the city's infrastructure. In 2019, Saudi newspaper Al-Watan reported that the project's cost at that time was 36 million Saudi riyals, indicating significant investment in developing this innovative transport solution. This historical context illustrates the government's commitment to realizing Vision 2030, with the sea taxi project serving as a tangible outcome of these efforts. The launch of the sea taxi project in Jeddah represents more than just a new mode of transport; it symbolizes a shift toward integrated, sustainable urban mobility. By connecting key cultural and recreational sites, the service is expected to boost tourism, reduce road congestion, and enhance the overall travel experience. The inclusion of accessibility features for people with disabilities further ensures that the benefits of this project reach a diverse population, fostering inclusivity. Looking ahead, the success of this test run could pave the way for expansion to other coastal cities, potentially transforming maritime transport across Saudi Arabia. The project's alignment with Vision 2030 also suggests potential for further innovations in public transportation, contributing to the Kingdom's economic diversification and urban development goals. Short link : Post Views: 10
