5 amendments to transport activities and a professional test for bus drivers
Strategic updates in the land transport sector
In a strategic move aimed at elevating the land transport sector in Saudi Arabia, the Board of Directors of the Public Transport Authority approved five new regulatory packages designed to improve the operations of land transport facilities. These amendments are part of ongoing efforts to develop the regulatory infrastructure, and include a requirement for bus drivers to pass a "professional competency" test. This measure primarily aims to standardize operational requirements and raise safety and quality standards in this vital transport sector, ensuring the provision of reliable and safe services to users.
Details of the modifications and activities included
The new regulatory amendments encompassed a wide range of transportation activities, most notably public bus transportation within cities, bus rental and brokerage, international transportation, local agency services, and educational transportation, which serves a large segment of students. The amendments also extended to specialized transportation activities. The issued decisions stipulated amending paragraph 1/d of the articles regulating these activities, requiring drivers to obtain a "professional driver's card." This card will be issued through a precise technological mechanism linked to the launch of a professional qualification program approved by the Authority.
Mechanism for applying the professional competency test
Regarding the implementation mechanism, the Public Transport Authority clarified that the requirement will be enforced gradually to ensure a smooth transition. For drivers currently holding valid cards, the requirement will be applied from the date their cards expire, immediately upon the official launch of the professional qualification program. Drivers without a card, or those with expired cards, will be obligated to meet the competency requirements immediately upon the program's launch, without delay, thus ensuring no gaps in safety standards.
Historical context and the objectives of Vision 2030
This step comes as an extension of a series of structural reforms underway in the Kingdom's transport and logistics sector, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Historically, the land transport sector has required standardization in service levels and driver efficiency, prompting relevant authorities to implement successive regulatory measures in recent years. The National Transport and Logistics Strategy aims to solidify the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub, which necessitates a highly qualified workforce trained to the highest international standards to ensure the sector's sustainability and growth.
Expected impacts locally, regionally, and internationally
Domestically, these amendments are expected to significantly reduce traffic accident rates, enhance public and school transport safety, and create a more professional and sustainable working environment for drivers. Regionally, this regulation aligns Saudi standards with approved Gulf specifications, facilitating international transport across border crossings and supporting trade. Internationally, improving workforce efficiency and operational safety standards will positively impact the Kingdom's Logistics Performance Index, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the Saudi market for foreign investment in various transport sectors.
Effective date of the new decisions
The Public Transport Authority emphasized in its concluding statement that these regulatory amendments will take effect from the date of their issuance. To ensure transparency and clarity of procedures for all workers and investors in the sector, these decisions will be officially published in the Official Gazette. The Authority affirmed that qualifying drivers according to approved professional standards directly contributes to raising the quality of services provided and ensuring the safety of users, thus making the sector a key pillar of the national economy.
