The Makkah Public Transport Program

The Makkah Public Transport Program is a public transport development initiative located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This project includes the construction of a Metro system, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Express Bus, Feeder Bus services, and supporting infrastructure such as Intelligent Transport Systems. Launched in 2010, the program is unique for addressing the dual needs of Makkah’s residents and millions of visiting pilgrims while transforming the city’s transportation network .

The program envisions Makkah as having a “globally safe, reliable, and trusted transportation system to serve the residents and guests of the Holy Kaaba” . Its objectives include reducing traffic congestion, improving accessibility for the mobility-impaired, decreasing air pollution, and ensuring efficient transport solutions in line with Saudi Vision 2030 as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program .

To achieve these objectives, the Makkah Public Transport Program reach over a significant area of the city and incorporates multiple advanced components. Specifically, the project includes the following:
• An extensive bus network with over 400 vehicles, comprising 240 regular buses with an 85-seat capacity and 160 articulated buses capable of accommodating 125 passengers .
• 12 bus lines, including five Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes and seven traditional bus lines, covering a combined network of 172 km with 342 stops .
• A metro system featuring four lines, beginning with the 11 km Green Line connecting Al Mashaar train station in Mina to Marwa station near the Grand Mosque, extending to the Haramain High-Speed Rail Station .
In terms of accessibility advanced features, such as Wi-Fi, audiovisual systems, hydraulic access for people with disabilities, collision avoidance technology, and Euro-4 carbon emission-reduction systems .
The program aims to reduce air pollution and promote energy efficiency, ensuring the development of a modern and environmentally-conscious urban infrastructure .

The program’s implementation is driven by the collaboration of multiple stakeholders. It is managed by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites and implemented through MBCO, a joint venture consortium led by Nesma Co. . The NEC Corporation has introduced an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to optimize bus operations and efficiency . SYSTRA is responsible for overseeing the design, construction, and rigorous testing of buses and intelligent transportation systems .

The project is being executed in phases:
• Phase 1 [Ongoing]: Development of Line B (11.9 km, 7 stations) and Line C (33.2 km, 15 stations).
• Phase 2 [Planned]: Development of Line A (27.718 km, 18 stations).
• Phase 3 [Planned]: Development of Line D (35.2 km, 19 stations) and extension of Line C (15.5 km, 7 stations) .
Currently ongoing, the $16.5 billion program is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernize urban transport and improve the experience of residents and pilgrims alike .