Electric bus service launches in Dammam, Al Qatif

Electric bus

The Transport General Authority (TGA), Eastern Region Municipality, and Saudi Public Transport Co. (SAPTCO) launched today, Nov. 8, the electric bus service in Dammam and Al Qatif, in extension of a series of electric bus launches in Saudi Arabia. 

The TGA announced that a new electric bus has been designed to meet the latest standards, featuring 37 comfortable seats and a 420-kilowatt battery capable of operating for up to 18 hours across 73 daily trips, covering up to 300 kilometers (km) per charge, providing passengers with WiFi and USB ports to cater to their needs, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The electric bus project in Dammam and Al Qatif, launched in April, includes 85 buses and eight routes, covering 218 stops and extending over 400 km.  

Dammam's public bus transport project signed a five-year contract with SAPTCO, valued at SAR 149.6 million, to serve various lines in Al-Khobar, Dhahran, and Al Qatif, according to data compiled by Argaam.  

The project covers 400 km of round-trip trips with 212 stations, covering most of the attraction points in the targeted cities and provinces and providing 85 modern buses equipped for comfort and safety. Each bus can accommodate 81 passengers and operates 18 hours a day, starting at 5:30 am (KSA time) seven days a week.