Saudi Arabia to launch bus service in Riyadh, Jeddah tomorrow

Saudi Arabia will launch a new public transport service on Tuesday in Riyadh and Jeddah, operated by a national company under the supervision of Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) in Riyadh and Metro Jeddah Co. in Jeddah.

Tickets for the bus service will be sold at a promotional price of SAR 3 from station to another, according to a statement on the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing the supreme committee appointed by the cabinet to oversee the project.

The committee has studied the financial and social situation of citizens who own and operate buses across the Kingdom and proposed alternatives for them.

They can work as drivers for Saudi Public Transport Co. (SAPTCO), or obtain a loan from the Social Development Bank if they wish to start a new business.  

Meanwhile, eligible citizens who are not able to drive will be added to the Kingdom’s social security programs, it added.

In a separate statement to the Saudi bourse, SAPTCO said the related financial impact will be disclosed later on.