The public transport system in Makkah transported more than 4.3 million pilgrims and worshippers between parking lots outside the city and the Grand Mosque, using 913 buses during the first week of Ramadan, according to a report published by the Higher Authority to Monitor the Transport of Pilgrims.

“The pilgrims were transported by buses belonging to the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) and other companies from the five huge parking lots outside Makkah and from stations within the holy city,” the report said.

SAPTCO transported 1 million pilgrims, Hafel company buses 1.72 million and Abu Sarhad 840,000, the report said, adding that 913 buses took part in the operation that facilitated the transport of pilgrims and reduced congestion inside the holy city.

Around 98,000 vehicles were accommodated in parking spaces outside Makkah and 59,000 vehicles inside Makkah during the same period.

Security agencies have deployed 824 officers to control traffic of pilgrims coming from different parts of Saudi Arabia to the holy city to perform Umrah during Ramadan.

Saudis and expatriates have commended the arrangements made by authorities for transporting pilgrims between parking lots and the Grand Mosque. “Buses have been operating around the clock to meet the demand of pilgrims. This is a great service.

It has ensured smooth flow of pilgrims without causing major traffic congestion in the central region of Makkah,” a Saudi pilgrim said.