In a statement to Saudi Press Agency, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal said all facilities and utilities are of the optimum level.
"Transportation, one of the most vital tasks during the Haj, receives immense attention from the rulers of the Kingdom, and hence efforts have been made to improve infrastructure such as roads, tunnels, bridges on all roads used by pilgrims. The SCMPT has been set up under the chairmanship of the Makkah governor and includes the minister of Haj, minister of transportation, and director of Public Security in order to monitor and supervise the transportation of pilgrims between cities and in the holy sites," the prince said.
"Immense progress has been made during the past years in the sector of pilgrim transportation. A number of companies specializing in the sector with more than 20,000 high-tech buses with the total capacity for 900,000 pilgrims have also been established," the prince said.
An executive committee with undersecretaries of Makkah governorate, Ministry of Haj, Ministry of Transport, director of traffic and secretary-general of the SCMPT has been set up in order to monitor the operations of the transportation of pilgrims on a daily basis during the Haj season.
A technical committee examines the fleet of buses used for the transportation of pilgrims on a periodic basis, he said.
Their inspections cover the safety arrangements in the buses, maintenance, efficiency of drivers and the technicians at the companies, he said.
Annually workshops are conducted to monitor the activities of the Tawafa establishment, Car Syndicate and transporting companies to draw up plans and make necessary arrangements for the transportation of pilgrims, he said.
The prince also stressed the importance of the completion of the third phase of the nonstop chain transportation system benefiting 780,000 pilgrims from Iran, non-Arab African countries, Turkey, Europe, Australia, America and South Asia.
Special arrangements have also been made for quick pilgrim movement in the holy sites, the prince said. There are also round the clock bus services to enable pilgrims stationed in distant districts in Makkah to reach the Grand Mosque.
Studies are also under way to expand the courtyards of the Namirah Mosque, he said.
He also said the new train service will be fully operational next year for the transportation of 500,000 pilgrims at the rate of 72,000 pilgrims an a hour between stations in the holy sites.
