Egis-Systra JV awarded key contract for Madinah Bus Rapid Transit Project

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Urban Transport News): In a significant development for urban mobility in Saudi Arabia, Egis, an esteemed global player in architecture, consulting, construction engineering, and mobility services, has secured a pivotal contract from the Al Madinah Region Development Authority (MDA). This contract tasks Egis with providing comprehensive Project Management and Construction Management (PMCM) services for the ambitious Madinah Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

This major initiative forms a cornerstone of Madinah's extensive transportation overhaul, aligning with the broader Pilgrim Experience Program and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. As part of the Vision 2030 goals, the Madinah BRT project is set to revolutionize the city's public transportation infrastructure, aiming for substantial area coverage and enhanced service efficiency by 2030.

Project Overview and Objectives

The Madinah BRT project is designed to transform the city's transportation landscape. With an ambitious plan to deploy up to 500 stations, the project aims to cover 80-90% of the city's area, significantly improving connectivity and accessibility. This initiative is not just about expanding public transport; it's about creating a robust and sustainable transport system that caters to residents, visitors, and pilgrims alike.

The project has several core objectives:

• Enhancing Public Transportation: The BRT system will provide a reliable and high-capacity mode of public transport, making travel across the city more efficient and convenient.
• Reducing Traffic Congestion: By offering an alternative to private vehicle use, the BRT system aims to alleviate traffic congestion in key areas of Madinah.
• Promoting Sustainability: The new system will contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional transportation modes.
• Ensuring Safety and Convenience: The project will focus on delivering a safe, user-friendly transport experience for all users.

Role of Egis-Systra Joint Venture

The joint venture (JV) between Egis and Systra, another renowned global transport engineering consultancy, is set to play a crucial role in the project's success. Their responsibilities will include:

• Project Management and Construction Management: Overseeing the entire implementation process for the Madinah Bus Network, encompassing BRT, priority bus, and feeder services.
• Engineering Supervision: Providing expert oversight for design, construction, testing, and operational phases to ensure high-quality standards.
• Safety and Security Management: Managing safety protocols for various system components, including buses, depots, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and civil infrastructure such as bus lanes and stations.

This comprehensive approach ensures that every facet of the project is handled with the highest level of professionalism and expertise.

Omar Benzaria, Transportation Director for Egis in the Middle East and South Asia, emphasized the significance of this project. “This project aligns perfectly with Egis’ core expertise in transportation infrastructure, and we are committed to delivering a sustainable and efficient BRT system that meets the needs of Al Madinah’s residents and visitors,” he stated. Benzaria also highlighted the collaborative effort: “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to leveraging specialized global knowledge for sustainable transportation development, supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and enhanced connectivity.”

The Madinah BRT project represents a monumental step forward in Saudi Arabia's urban transportation evolution. With Egis and Systra at the helm of project and construction management, the initiative is set to deliver a state-of-the-art public transit system that meets the city's growing demands and contributes to the broader objectives of Vision 2030. As Madinah gears up for this transformative project, the collaboration between these global experts promises to bring significant improvements in mobility, safety, and sustainability to the city.