City buses: Details of the shuttle service during Ramadan 1447 AH

The Madinah Region Development Authority, represented by the Madinah Buses project, announced the launch of a shuttle bus service dedicated to the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH. This strategic step aims to facilitate the movement of worshippers and visitors to and from the Prophet's Mosque and Quba Mosque, reflecting the Authority's commitment to providing the best possible services to pilgrims during the peak Ramadan season.

Service routes and stops

According to the announcement, precise routes have been established covering various parts of Medina to ensure comprehensive service. Approved stops include the King Fahd Plan, the Haramain High-Speed ​​Railway station, the Shatha neighborhood, Al-Khalidiyah, Sayyid Al-Shuhada, as well as Al-Salam College, the sports stadium, and the park. A second, vital route has also been designated, extending from the Al-Aliyah area to Quba Mosque, to connect prominent religious landmarks and facilitate visits to historical sites.

The importance of shuttle transport during religious seasons

The shuttle bus project in Madinah is of paramount importance, especially given the urban expansion and the steady increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims and visitors, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to host millions of Umrah pilgrims annually. Public transportation is a fundamental solution to the traffic congestion challenges in the central area surrounding the Prophet's Mosque, as it contributes to reducing reliance on private cars, thus lowering carbon emissions and achieving smoother traffic flow on main roads.

The historical and spiritual dimension

Historically, Medina was a major caravan stop, and today transportation is evolving to keep pace with the times while preserving the city's spirituality. The new route connects the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) and Quba Mosque, the two holiest sites in Medina. Quba Mosque is the first mosque established in Islam, and praying there is considered equivalent to performing Umrah, as mentioned in the Prophetic traditions. Therefore, providing safe and comfortable transportation between these two landmarks enhances the spiritual experience for visitors, allowing them to dedicate their time to worship rather than wasting it commuting and searching for parking.

Improving visitor experience and quality of life

The authority emphasized that this service is not limited to transportation, but aims to improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors. By alleviating congestion around places of worship, the authority ensures a safe and seamless environment that allows everyone to perform their religious rites with ease. These efforts are part of a comprehensive system of municipal and developmental services underway in Madinah, positioning it as a model for smart cities that leverage technology and infrastructure to serve their people.