New Specialized Transport Regulations: Bus and Contract Requirements in Saudi Arabia

In a strategic move aimed at restructuring the land transport sector in Saudi Arabia, the Public Transport Authority has adopted the new executive regulations for specialized transport activities. This step aligns with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance the efficiency of services provided to pilgrims and tourists, and to strengthen road safety standards.

A regulatory framework to keep pace with tourism and economic growth

The specialized transportation sector is a vital artery connecting the various regions of the Kingdom, especially with the increasing numbers of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims and the rapid growth of the tourism sector. This regulation aims to transition the sector from individual and haphazard efforts to organized institutional work. After years of challenges related to bus quality and service reliability, the Authority is now putting an end to irregular practices, ensuring a safe and comfortable transportation experience for millions of users annually, whether they are pilgrims, Umrah performers, tourists, or even employees and students.

Key features of the regulations: Definition of activity and licensing requirements

The regulations define specialized transport as the service of transporting passengers and their belongings via buses, based on pre-arranged trip contracts, thus distinguishing it from public transport with fixed routes. This includes Hajj and Umrah services, tourist tours, entertainment events, and employee and school transport contracts.

To ensure the financial and technical solvency of operators, the Authority imposed strict conditions for obtaining a license, most notably:

• Providing a main center for the facility in the city where the license is issued.
• Owning a fleet of no less than 5 buses (direct ownership or finance lease).
• Linking to the electronic systems approved by the Authority to ensure digital monitoring.

Strict technical standards: Goodbye to dilapidated buses

The authority has prioritized passenger safety by setting an operational lifespan for buses, prohibiting the operation of any bus older than 10 years from its manufacturing date. It has also mandated that companies install tracking and monitoring devices, subject their fleets to regular technical inspections, and maintain valid insurance coverage for the entire operational period.

The professional driver: the first pillar of safety

The regulations also addressed the human element, requiring drivers to possess a "professional driver's card," which necessitates a clean criminal record, medical fitness, and passing competency tests. They also emphasized behavioral and appearance requirements, such as adhering to the national or approved dress code and prohibiting smoking inside the bus.

In a measure to enhance safety on long journeys (exceeding 400 km), the regulation mandates the presence of a “co-driver” to alternate driving and avoid stress-related accidents, while adhering to internationally approved driving and rest hours.

Protecting passenger rights and continuous monitoring

The regulations included explicit provisions for consumer protection, such as requiring luggage labeling and providing immediate replacements in case of bus breakdowns. The authority also affirmed its right to conduct surprise technical inspections of buses on the road or when the odometer reaches 250,000 kilometers, to ensure continued quality and safety in this vital sector.