Introduction: Strategic expansion of the public transport network
In a strategic move aimed at improving quality of life and facilitating transportation, Jeddah Transport the launch of two new routes within the city's bus network. This announcement, coinciding with the second day of Eid al-Fitr, represents a significant addition to the public transportation sector in the Red Sea city, with 65 daily trips to enhance connectivity between key areas and improve the experience for both residents and visitors.
Historical context and development of public transport in Jeddah
Historically, Jeddah has relied heavily on private vehicles as its primary mode of transportation, leading to persistent challenges related to traffic congestion and carbon emissions. With the launch of Vision 2030, the urgent need for a modern and sustainable public transportation system became evident. Thus, the Jeddah Public Transport Project was launched as a cornerstone for achieving the Vision's objectives, which aim to increase public transport usage and reduce reliance on private cars, thereby contributing to environmental protection and the development of urban infrastructure.
Details of the new routes and operating hours
The expansion includes the launch of Route 15 , which serves the vital Prince Sultan Road, as well as Route 16 , which connects Jeddah Corniche to Prince Faisal bin Fahd Road. Buses operate on these routes daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. To accommodate increased evening traffic during weekends, operating hours have been extended until 2:00 AM on Thursdays and Fridays.
In terms of journey details, Route 16 features 15 stops, with buses departing every 45 minutes for a total of 30 daily trips. Route 15, on the other hand, offers a faster frequency, with buses departing every 35 minutes for a total of 35 daily trips, ensuring flexible and reliable transportation options that enhance service efficiency.
Importance and expected impact (locally and regionally)
Locally, this expansion will play a pivotal role in alleviating traffic congestion in tourist and commercial areas, particularly along the busy Corniche. Nationally and regionally, Jeddah's implementation of these international standards reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading model for the transition to smart and sustainable cities in the Middle East.
In this context, Dr. Yousef Al-Sayegh, CEO of Jeddah Transport Company, affirmed that launching these two routes represents an additional and important step in developing the public transport system, to keep pace with the rapid demographic and urban growth in the city, and to support mobility needs in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership.
Digital transformation: Jeddah Buses app
To ensure a modern user experience, the company encourages all users to download the "Jeddah Buses" smartphone application. This application allows users to easily plan their trips, view updated schedules, and track routes in real time and interactively. The application also helps accurately determine waiting times, thus increasing passenger satisfaction and enhancing the daily operational efficiency of the network.
Towards a sustainable future
Jeddah Transport Company continues its tireless efforts to develop the public transport network infrastructure by studying the needs of residential neighborhoods and commercial centers. These expansions represent a long-term commitment to developing Jeddah into a leading model for smart and sustainable transport systems, enhancing the quality of life and supporting economic and environmental development in the region.
