Key Points
- Projected to cut 31,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions
- Part of the Masar Destination urban development
- Designed to serve 5 million pilgrims and visitors annually
MAKKAH: A pioneering electric bus rapid transit (BRT) service has officially begun operations in Makkah, marking a major step toward cleaner and more efficient urban transportation in the holy city.
Developed and operated by Electromin in partnership with Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction, the electric bus network is expected to serve more than 125 million passengers over the next 15 years. The project is also projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 31,500 tonnes compared with conventional transport systems.
According to Arab News, the service was inaugurated this week by Amr Al-Dabbagh, chairperson of Al-Dabbagh Group; Samir Nawar, managing director of Petromin; and Yasser Abu Ateeq, CEO of Umm Al-Qura.
Electromin, a Petromin subsidiary specializing in energy and mobility solutions, said the BRT system is among the first of its kind in the Kingdom. It forms part of the Masar Destination mixed-use development and reflects a significant shift toward sustainable and high-capacity public transport.
Operating on dedicated bus lanes, the electric buses connect key hubs within the Masar project, offering safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly transport for residents, visitors, and pilgrims. The network includes two main bus stations and 11 stops along the route and is designed to serve more than 5 million users annually, with full accessibility for all passengers.
Project operators said the service is intended to act as a foundation for Makkah’s future transportation system, integrating seamlessly with pedestrian walkways, metro services, more than 5,000 parking spaces, and other urban infrastructure within the Masar development.
