Saudi Arabia's Public Transport Authority has suspended the issuance of new private taxi licences and the addition of vehicles to the activity pending a review of the taxi sector in the kingdom a comprehensive manner.

The auhtority has directed the owners of taxi smartphone applications to get their tariffs approved in various cities by the Public Transport Authority before applying them, and publish them in a clear manner, said a Saudi Press Agency report.

Public Transport Authority head Dr Rumih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih also urged them not to publish any advertisements without reference to the authority. This includes advertisements in the print media, audio and social networks.