Jeddah Transport Company announced a new strategic step aimed at improving the public transport sector, with the launch of two new routes within the Jeddah bus to enhance connectivity between vital areas of the city. This step coincides with the second day of Eid al-Fitr, to meet the needs of residents and visitors and improve the travel experience during peak hours and festive seasons.
Development of the public transport system in the Kingdom
Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed radical transformations in its transportation sector. In Jeddah specifically, for many years, the city relied heavily on private vehicles, leading to challenges related to traffic congestion and carbon emissions. With the launch of Vision 2030, the urgent need to establish a robust public transportation infrastructure became apparent. The Jeddah Public Transport Project was a direct response to these aspirations, with a planned integrated bus network designed to transform the city's urban landscape and facilitate the movement of millions of residents and visitors annually, reflecting a qualitative shift in lifestyle and mobility within major Saudi cities.
Details of Jeddah's new bus routes and schedules
The new expansion includes the launch of Route 15, serving the vital Prince Sultan Road, and Route 16, connecting Jeddah Corniche to Prince Faisal bin Fahd Road, providing flexible and reliable transportation options. Route 16 features 15 stops and operates buses every 45 minutes, totaling 30 trips daily. Route 15 offers buses every 35 minutes, also totaling 35 trips daily, to enhance service efficiency. Buses on these routes operate daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with extended hours until 2:00 AM on Thursdays and Fridays to accommodate increased evening and weekend traffic.
The economic and environmental impact of expanding the transportation network
This expansion is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, it will help alleviate traffic congestion on Jeddah's main streets, especially during peak tourist seasons and holidays. It will also enhance the quality of life by providing sustainable and safe transportation solutions that cover a wider area of the city. Regionally and internationally, this development reflects the Kingdom's commitment to implementing environmental sustainability standards and reducing its carbon footprint, making Jeddah a model for the transition to smart and green cities in the Middle East. Dr. Yousef Al-Sayegh, CEO of Jeddah Transport Company, emphasized that the launch of these two routes represents a further step in developing the public transportation system to keep pace with the city's rapid growth and support mobility needs in line with sustainable development goals.
Digital transformation and facilitating user experience
In its pursuit of providing integrated services, the company has invited all its customers to download its dedicated smartphone bus application. This app aims to help passengers easily plan their journeys and access up-to-date schedules and routes in a real-time and interactive manner. The application also facilitates access to stations and accurately determines waiting times, thereby increasing user satisfaction and enhancing the daily operational efficiency of the network. This digital transformation is part of the company's strategy to integrate modern technology into the transportation sector, ensuring that the service reaches the widest possible audience in a modern and innovative way.
