The General Syndicate of Cars (GSC) regulations against violators will take effect in two months, said Jbarah Al-Sraisri, minister of transport.

The minister made the statement following an inspection of the ongoing work of the Al-Haramain train project from Madinah station via Rabigh to Jeddah and Makkah.

He said: “New private taxis are listed on the GSC’s data base and available at designated points. Passengers wishing to use their services can call them at the numbers provided.” He added that these cars are controlled from the start to the end of the journey through tracking devices.

The implementation of the new private taxi system does not mean that regular taxis will be taken off the roads, the minister clarified. Passengers usually take the regular taxis because sometimes it is difficult to phone for a private taxi and wait for its arrival. But he said regular taxis too have to comply with the new system which will be fully operational within the next two months.

Regarding the work of the Haramain train project, he said: “The work is progressing according to plan and much has been achieved. There is no shortage of devices, machinery and human resources and work will be completed on schedule.”

He expressed satisfaction with the construction of bridges, underpasses and tunnels in preparation for the second stage which involves installing rails, electrification of the line and other work.

The minister said the expropriation of property on the train’s path will be undertaken in public interest. “If the owners of the properties don’t raise the issue during the defined period, a committee will acquire these properties and commence work,” he said.

The minister of transport and the chairman of the board of the Saudi Railways Organization conducted a two-day tour of the Haramain express train project. The tour started in Madinah and progressed through Rabigh ending at the train station in Jeddah.