With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan 1445 AH, the Madinah Region Development Authority, through its operational arm “Madinah Buses,” announced the launch of a shuttle bus service dedicated to serving the increasing numbers of worshippers and visitors. This strategic initiative aims to facilitate access to and from the Prophet’s Mosque and Quba Mosque, two of the most prominent religious landmarks that witness a surge in visitors during the holy month.
General context and importance of the initiative
Medina holds a special spiritual place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide, a status that is amplified during Ramadan when millions flock to the city from within the Kingdom and abroad to perform Umrah and prayers at the Prophet's Mosque. This massive influx places immense pressure on the infrastructure, particularly in the central area surrounding the Haram. Hence, the importance of shuttle bus services as an effective solution to address traffic congestion challenges and provide a safe and organized means of transportation befitting the sanctity of the place and time.
Route details and service points
To ensure comprehensive coverage, the route network has been carefully designed to serve various neighborhoods in Medina. Key bus stops for the Prophet's Mosque include: King Fahd Scheme, Haramain High-Speed Railway Station, Shatha District, Al-Khalidiyah District, Sayyid Al-Shuhada Parking Lot, Al-Salam College, the Sports Stadium, and the Central Park. Additionally, a dedicated route connects Al-Aliyah District to Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in Islam, to facilitate access for visitors. These buses operate almost 24/7 during Ramadan, with increased frequency during peak times such as Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers.
Expected impact and alignment with Vision 2030
The importance of this service extends far beyond logistics. Locally, it reduces the use of private vehicles, alleviating traffic congestion and improving air quality in the central area. Regionally and internationally, this initiative reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing the highest quality services to pilgrims, a key pillar of Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Service Program, which aims to enrich the religious and cultural experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Providing modern and comfortable transportation further enhances the Kingdom's positive image as a leading destination for crowd management and world-class services in the holy cities.
