EXCLUSIVE: Saudi Arabia bus scheme enters pre-mobilisation phase

14 March 2018
Riyadh's 300km bus network that complements the Riyadh Metro is expected to start operations in 2019

Public Transport Company, the joint venture of France-based RATP Dev and local firm Saptco, is now in pre-mobilisation phase for Riyadh's 300 kilometre-long bus network, Laurence Batlle, president of RATP Dev, tells MEED.

The public bus network is expected to enter operations mid next year, months prior to the completion of the Riyadh Metro.

Similar to the metro scheme, the bus network will have six lines.

It will also feature 24 routes and 3,000 bus stops along a 300km route, according to Alwalid Alekrish, vice president for programs and projects at Arriyadh Development Authority.

Public Transport Company won the $1.77bn contract to implement, operate and maintain Riyadh’s public bus network in 2014.

In May last year, Public Transport Company  signed a deal to acquire 1,000 buses from Germany’s Mercedes-Benz and MAN for the Riyadh bus network.

It is understood the rolling stock will include Mercedes-Benz buses, equipped with Euro 5 engines.

In October last year, Turkish contractor Yuksel  said it was mobilising more than 4,500 workers for the SR1.9bn ($507m) third and final phase of Riyadh’s bus rapid transit (BRT).

The final scope of the third phase of the BRT project includes 22km of road rehabilitation, 17 pairs of BRT system stations, 1,353 community bus stops and six pedestrian bridges. It also includes all civil, mechanical and electrical works.

The first phase of the BRT has been completed. Work on the second phase also commenced last  year. Local Saudi Constructioneers is implementing the $374m phase two of the project.

 

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