New transport regulations: Local agent for foreign buses and safety controls
The Public Transport Authority in Saudi Arabia has issued new executive regulations governing international passenger bus transport, as well as regulating the work of local agents for foreign carriers. This crucial step comes as part of the Kingdom's efforts to regulate the land transport sector and improve the quality of services provided to passengers, in line with international safety and security standards.
Strategic context and ambitious vision
This regulation takes on particular importance when viewed within the context of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Given its strategic geographic location connecting three continents, the Kingdom aspires to become a global logistics hub. The international land transport sector has previously faced regulatory challenges, most notably inconsistent safety standards among cross-border buses and unfair competition from some foreign operators who failed to adhere to local standards.
Strict licensing and operating requirements
According to the new regulations, the Authority requires establishments wishing to engage in this activity to obtain an official license valid for three years. To ensure seriousness and financial solvency, the Authority stipulated the presence of a main office in the city where the license is issued, ownership of a fleet of no less than five buses (either through direct ownership or financial leasing), and full technical integration with the Authority's platform to guarantee data exchange and real-time monitoring of operations.
Safety standards and the human aspect
Regarding vehicles, the authority set a maximum operational age of 10 years for buses from the year of manufacture, with mandatory restrooms, overhead storage, and a secure luggage compartment. The regulations also addressed the human element, requiring a "professional driver's card" that necessitates passing competency tests and having a clean criminal record. To enhance safety on long journeys (400 km or more), the presence of a "co-driver" is now mandatory to prevent fatigue accidents, a standard internationally recognized for road safety.
Protecting the local market and preventing "smuggling"
One of the most prominent aspects of the regulations is the absolute prohibition on international carriers (both local and foreign) from operating passenger transport services between cities within the Kingdom (domestic transport). This decision aims to protect local investors in the domestic transport sector and prevent the phenomenon of unlicensed taxis or unfair competition, restricting international carriers to flights to and from outside the Kingdom only.
Local agent: Legal guarantee
The new regulations require foreign carriers to contract with a licensed "local agent" within the Kingdom. This measure aims to establish a legal entity accountable to Saudi authorities for any obligations or violations committed by the foreign carrier, thus facilitating oversight and protecting the rights of both passengers and government agencies.
Expected economic and social impact
This regulation is expected to bring about a qualitative leap in the level of services, especially for pilgrims and Umrah performers arriving by land, ensuring their safe and comfortable journeys. Economically, this decision will enhance the attractiveness of investment in the Saudi transportation sector by creating a fair and competitive environment. It will also contribute to increased operational efficiency and a reduction in traffic accidents caused by dilapidated buses or driver fatigue.
The authority concluded its regulations by precisely defining the rights of travelers, the mechanisms for dealing with lost items, and imposing deterrent penalties on violators, while affirming the state’s right to use the international transport fleet in cases of emergencies and disasters, reflecting the security and strategic dimension of this vital sector.
