MADINAH: The Madinah Region Development Authority reported that more than 3.6 million worshippers used shuttle bus services to reach the Prophet’s Mosque during Ramadan 1447 AH, marking a remarkable 125% increase compared to the previous year.
A fleet of 250 buses completed over 70,000 trips throughout the holy month, ensuring smooth and safe transport for pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Thursday.
The authority noted that the surge in ridership reflects the growing reliance on organised public transport to manage the large influx of worshippers, particularly during the last 10 days of Ramadan, when attendance at the mosque peaks.
These measures are part of ongoing efforts to enhance crowd management, improve safety, and provide a seamless experience for pilgrims visiting one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Advanced scheduling, increased bus frequency, and staff deployment were among the strategies implemented to accommodate the unprecedented demand.
The authority also expressed plans to further expand and modernise shuttle services in coming years to meet the needs of the growing number of visitors, supporting both accessibility and comfort for all pilgrims.
