With reference to the front-page news, “SR 45 bn Jeddah transport system to redefine mobility,” (March 12), it is indeed a welcome decision by the Cabinet to approve a massive public transport system covering Jeddah and its outskirts, which will surely go a long way in replacing road congestion by a smooth traffic flow in the city. The report mentions about the tram system along with 816 buses, which I understand will change much of the cityscape and subsequently the living culture of the people in and around the city.

With burgeoning population, an efficient public transport system is the only answer to ensure smooth movement of people and reduce traffic accidents. It will help curb noise and air pollution caused by hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

However, I believe the stipulated timeframe of seven years as envisaged to complete the work is a little longer period. The plans could be carried out in a phased manner, area wise and system wise.

It could be expected that there will be plans for similar public transport systems covering Riyadh and Dammam soon. Thanks to the expansion and developmental plans undertaken by the government in the last 2-3 years, both cities have grown rapidly while the roads and thoroughfares failed to keep pace with the rapid growth in traffic. — Safi H. Jannaty, Dammam