New bus rapid transit system targets millions of pilgrims and residents while cutting carbon emissions

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

A new electric bus service has officially begun operations in Makkah, marking a major step toward cleaner and more efficient urban transportation in the holy city.

The service is being developed and operated by Electromin in partnership with Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction, and is expected to serve more than 125 million passengers over the next 15 years.

According to the operators, the project will also help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 31,500 tonnes when compared with conventional fuel powered vehicles, supporting Saudi Arabia’s environmental and sustainability goals.

The electric bus service is part of a bus rapid transit system, which is designed to offer higher capacity, better reliability and smoother operations than traditional bus services.

The project was inaugurated on Wednesday at a formal ceremony attended by Amr Al Dabbagh, chairman of Al Dabbagh Group, Samir Nawar, managing director of Petromin, and Yasser Abu Ateeq, chief executive officer of Umm Al Qura.

Electromin, a subsidiary of Petromin that focuses on energy and mobility solutions, said the project is among the first transport networks of its kind in the Kingdom and represents a shift toward a cleaner and more modern transport model in Makkah.

The service operates on dedicated bus lanes and connects key locations within the Masar Destination development, providing safe, reliable and environmentally friendly transport for residents and visitors.

The network includes two main bus stations and 11 stops along the route, and has been designed to serve more than five million visitors and pilgrims each year, with easy access for all users.

Project operators said the electric bus system is intended to serve as a foundation for Makkah’s future transportation network, as it integrates with pedestrian walkways, metro services, more than 5,000 parking spaces and other infrastructure within the Masar project.

Source: Arab News