For the first time, Saudi Arabia has launched self-driving electric buses, offering sustainable and environment-friendly transportation.
The Saudi Transport General Authority (TGA) introduced a series of shuttle buses during Hajj, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings that attracted more than 1.8 million Muslims in 2023. The new buses offered multiple transportation options, making it easier for the pilgrims to go around the city and to the holy sites.
Each bus can accommodate 11 passengers and cover up to 4 km at speeds of up to 30 km per hour for six hours before being recharged.
“The service aims to facilitate the transportation of pilgrims and assess the feasibility of using these technologies during Hajj” in the coming years, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
#خدمتكم_شرف 🕋 | معالي وزير النقل والخدمات اللوجستية @SalehAlJasser يرافق الحجاج في انطلاق أول رحلة للحافلات ذاتية القيادة في موسم حج 1444هـ#بسلام_آمنين#الهيئة_العامة_للنقل_TGA #HonoredToServe 🕋 | H.E. Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Accompanies Pilgrims on the… pic.twitter.com/q2bgmyN60y
— الهيئة العامة للنقل | TGA (@Saudi_TGA) June 26, 2023
The initiative is also aimed at adopting modern technologies and smart mobility solutions to assess their suitability and contribution to providing a unique transportation experience for visitors.
TGA, which is responsible for all railway, marine, and land transportation matters within the Kingdom, aims to shape autonomous driving legislation in Saudi Arabia, establishing a robust framework for the safe integration of driverless vehicles and contributing to the Kingdom’s transport infrastructure.
The self-driving buses initiative by TGA of Saudi Arabia has been launched in collaboration with the Kingdom’s Ministry of Transport and EasyMile, the lead driverless technology partner in the Middle East. King Saud University (KSU) was the launch pad for the development of autonomous driving capabilities and the subsequent transition to public roads.
