Saudi Arabia will, for the first time, adopt an electric system for the public transport project in Tabuk in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia that is aimed at enhancing quality of life and improving the traffic safety, a report said.

Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Transport General Authority, Dr Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, as saying that 25% of the buses will be electric, using clean and renewable energy, and marking the first step towards applying this technology across targeted cities of the kingdom.

Speaking to SPA, following the signing of the public bus transport project contract in Tabuk on August 26, the minister said: "This project is part of enhancing the quality of life and improving traffic safety in Tabuk, with costs supported by the wise leadership, to facilitate transportation to all high-activity places within the city, such as the airport, the university, and other vital and important locations."

He added that this is a strategic and significant technology that supports transportation in Tabuk, covering four routes extending more than 128 km, with 106 stops distributed along the routes, and serviced by 30 buses operated by 90 drivers up to 18 hours a day.

Al-Rumaih also noted that the Transport General Authority is working to achieve the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services that was launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, three years ago.

“Last week, a major logistics project was launched at the Jeddah Islamic Port, and from time to time, we launch and implement projects on the ground related to the transport and logistics services sectors, whether in aviation, shipping, roads, or ports,” he said.