City bus project: 177 buses and 15 routes to serve pilgrims
The public transportation system in Madinah witnessed significant development during the Hajj season of 1447 AH, with the enhancement of shuttle services through the Madinah Bus. This step comes as part of ongoing efforts to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and visitors between vital sites, residential areas, and religious landmarks, keeping pace with the high operational density experienced in the central area and historical mosques during this important season.
Historical background of infrastructure development in the city of the Messenger of God
Historically, Medina has always been the second most important destination for pilgrims after Mecca, with millions flocking there annually to pray at the Prophet's Mosque and visit Islamic landmarks. Over the decades, the Saudi Arabian government has prioritized the development of the holy city's infrastructure. The transition from traditional modes of transport to modern public transportation networks was not a sudden development, but rather the culmination of a long history of expansions and development projects aimed at accommodating the increasing number of pilgrims and providing them with the utmost comfort and safety from their arrival until their departure.
City bus route network and coverage of vital locations
The project operates with a large fleet of 177 modern buses serving 15 main routes, in addition to 455 main and secondary stops strategically located across several neighborhoods and key sites. This strategic distribution enhances connectivity between various destinations within Medina. The city's buses cover routes connecting neighborhoods and key facilities to the Prophet's Mosque, including routes linking Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport to the central area, the Haramain High-Speed Railway station to the Miqat, and routes leading to Quba Mosque, Jabal Ayr, Al-Aqul neighborhood, Al-Uyun Oasis, and industrial cities.
Continuous operation around the clock
To ensure the best possible service, 24-hour operation is provided on Route 400 leading to Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, serving those wishing to travel to and from the Prophet's Mosque and the central area. Buses also operate around the clock to transport pilgrims and visitors between the Prophet's Mosque and Quba Mosque, enhancing transportation efficiency and facilitating movement during the peak Hajj season.
Local and international impact of the public transport system
Locally, these routes contribute to smoother traffic flow and reduce congestion on roads surrounding the central area. They also play a pivotal role in lowering environmental pollution from individual vehicle emissions, thus supporting environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life for city residents. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's success in managing these millions of pilgrims through advanced transportation networks reflects a positive and promising image of Saudi Arabia's organizational capabilities. The Madinah Region Development Authority is working to enhance the efficiency of this vital connection, supporting the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to enrich and deepen the experience of pilgrims and visitors and provide a global model for public transportation management during major events.
