Companies are being invited to prequalify for contracts covering the operation and maintenance of an urban bus transit system in the holy city of Mecca.

The bus system forms part of the wider SR60bn ($16.5bn) Mecca Public Transport Program (MPTP) which includes the plans for a metro network.

Potential bidders have until 2 March to submit their prequalification documents for the first phase of the bus project.

The Mecca Mass Rail Transit Company is the programme management office for both bus and metro projects and is acting on behalf of the client, the Development Commission of Makkah and Mashaaer.

Phase one of the bus network is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2016.

The first phase will cover 12 lines with five bus rapid transit lines and seven local lines. It will include a fleet of 400 to 500 buses.

Contractors were invited to prequalify for phase one of the construction of the civil works for the metro in early November. A deadline of 19 January has been set for the submission of documents.

The transport project aims to reduce congestion in Mecca in response to the anticipated rise in religious tourists to the city. Approximately 3.5 million pilgrims visit Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, while 5 million visit for Umrah throughout the year.