Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Public Transport Authority (PTA) plans to offer in a public tender five main regions in which the private sector can have the franchise over bus transport, according to a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report.

The authority said the move was in implementation of a July 23 decision to the effect by the Council of Ministers.

Under the Cabinet decision, the bus transport services between Saudi cities and towns have been divided into five main regions of franchise.

Chairman of the authority, Rumaih Al-Rumaih, said the decision would further promote the participation of the private sector in all services including transport within the Kingdom's 2030 Vision.

He said the private sector is capable of providing outstanding transport services to supply the needs for modern transport in all the Kingdom's cities and towns.

Rumaih said a committee consisting of the authority and other concerned government departments will be constituted to treat the assets of the Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) in a manner that would protect the rights of the stakeholders according to its present franchise contract.

He explained that the committee will agree with SAPTCO on the transitional period so as to ensure the continuation of the transport of passengers among cities.

Abdul Rahman Al-Khalaf, deputy chairman of the authority, said the five regions of transport franchise will cover all the Kingdom's areas.

He said the authority will decide the technical specifications for the bus transport network so as to ensure high quality service.