Saudi Arabia: King Abdulaziz Bus Project in Riyadh to start operations in 2021

Dubai: The King Abdulaziz Public Transport Network for Buses in Riyadh city announced that it will start operation in the second quarter of 2021, local media reported.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has set the date for actual operation of the bus service, according to a statement from the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO), posted on the website of the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).

The SAPTCO said that it had received a notification from the Public Transport Company, in which SAPTCO has an 80 per cent stake.

The company clarified that it is difficult at this stage to determine the costs associated with the operation of the project, as it is coordinating with other related authorities on studying the necessary work plans.

According to a decision taken by the Council of Ministers earlier, a supreme committee would supervise the Riyadh Metro project and the construction of a parallel network for bus transport, in line with the Comprehensive Public Transport Plan laid down by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

The plan aims to provide public transport service to all categories of the population, diversifying the modes and means of transport in the city in an effective and suitable manner, keeping in mind the social, economic, environmental and traffic conditions.

The project is expected to give the city a big boost, going beyond providing public transport service to all segments of the population.