General Authority of Civil Aviation signs MoU with Jeddah Metro and SAPTCO

Jeddah (Urban Transport News): The General Authority of Civil Aviation signed  a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Jeddah Metro Company and Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) to develop mutual cooperation in the transportation services at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) Terminal 1 to provide the best services to serve all segments of the community and to provide them with various traveling options. The MoU was signed on Monday by Eng. Alaa Samman, Director General (General Administration of Privatization and Commercial Operation), General Authority of Civil Aviation, and Dr. Osama Abdo, CEO, Jeddah Metro Company and Eng. Khalid Al-Hugail, CEO, Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) at the new King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. [caption id="attachment_8002" align="alignnone" width="600"] GACA Signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Jeddah Metro and SAPTCO[/caption] The authority explained that the purpose of signing the memorandum of understanding is to harness all that is needed to facilitate public transportation services at the KSA’s airports. It also aims to provide the best services to enhances the transportation system in the city of Jeddah which will facilitate through multi-modal transport. This will also help to expand the range of options for passengers to travel to and from King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA). The authority indicated that it will allocate a special parking for buses in the departure and arrival areas at KAIA Terminal 1, in addition to allocating space for the establishment of a waiting station in front of the area designated as parking spaces in the arrival area. The authority will also allow the company to carry out its role in monitoring the performance of the service including its commitment to the schedule.  The company will also oversee the cleanliness of the buses internally and externally and the safety of its equipment. In addition to this, the company will also coordinate with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and private entities operating at KAIA to facilitate the implementation of bus service to and from Terminal 1. According to the MoU, the Jeddah Metro Company will be responsible to identify the hubs and routes of buses to transport passengers to and from Terminal 1 at KAIA and its stopping points.  The company will also responsible to issue the necessary approvals in coordination with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and expand the service to cover the city of Jeddah gradually. Furthermore, the Jeddah Metro Company will add more routes for service to and from Terminal 1 and ensure the integrity of the service provided throughout the city of Jeddah. The Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) will be responsible for fast track bus service to and from KAIA in Jeddah, through modern buses that are configured for this type of service, with a regular schedule.  The company will launch a trip every half hour from the KAIA through Prince Majed Road to King Abdullah Road and on to Corniche Road continuing to the city center.  SAPTCO will ensure the availability of intercity transport services so that travelers can complete their journey to other destinations within the Kingdom through various services provided by SAPTCO.