Safe public transport systems including train services are used for the transport of pilgrims, the prince said in a statement to Saudi Press Agency on Friday.
“The number of buses used for pilgrim transport has increased annually. Two companies added 120 brand new buses to their fleet during the current season. Other companies have supplied 1,000 new buses. Some 5,000 new buses have been added to the fleet over the past three years for the transportation of pilgrims,” the prince added.
The prince commended the generous support of the higher authorities.
The prince said an advanced wireless telecommunication system keeps in touch with the buses while they are on the roads carrying pilgrims.
“The telecommunication system helps solve mechanical failures of buses carrying pilgrims and other problems faced by pilgrims,” the prince said, adding that 18 field support centers on roads between the pilgrim cities are available to carry out repairs on buses. The centers also have mobile units with skilled technicians.
“More than 1.8 million pilgrims will be transported on buses from their 7,000 houses to their tents in Mina and Arafat while the Mashair Railway will carry 420,000 passengers between the holy sites,” the prince said in his statement.
“Currently steps are underway to design and implement the two remaining phases of the chain pilgrim transportation system in Makkah and the holy sites,” he said.
The chain transportation system involves the shuttle service between the pilgrims’ residences in Makkah and Grand Mosque without interruption. This helps pilgrims staying in distant districts to visit the Grand Mosque frequently.
The prince also hinted that studies are under way for the fast transportation of pilgrims during the Umrah seasons.
Prince Khaled also highlighted in detail the efforts of the Higher Commission for Monitoring the Transport of Pilgrims and its affiliated executive committee for monitoring the transport of pilgrims.
