JEDDAH: The completion of the public transport network in the Kingdom, in terms of trains, buses, metro, the transport network system for school and university students, as well as imports of economic and fuel-efficient cars, will reduce per capita fuel consumption by 40 percent, experts and economists revealed.

A member of the advisory board at the Economic Council, Dr. Mohammed Al-Motlaq, said that completion of the transport projects in the Kingdom this year will reduce per capita fuel consumption by 40 percent, and if the network is integrated throughout all parts of the Kingdom, nearly 50 percent of citizens will depend on public transport as an alternative mode of transport, as opposed to the current 2 percent. “The rise in fuel prices has led to higher transport costs and the need for new means and modes of transport such as trains and buses in order to reduce fuel consumption rates,” said Chairman of Saudi Consulting Group Dr. Hassan Balkhi, noting the entry of new fuel-efficient vehicles in the Saudi market, such as vehicles that rely on electric and renewable energy, is expected.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, a member of the Economic Committee, said there are a number of alternatives to rising fuel and transport prices that will presented with the completion of the public transport network in the Kingdom.