Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Abdullatief Al-Asheikh signed six new contracts worth SR796 million to implement various projects in the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah. Five of these projects will be implemented in Riyadh, costing a total of SR726,184,978. These include maintenance of roads and streets, operation and maintenance of gardens, farms, and public squares, as well as maintenance of computers and updating of computer programs for various office purposes, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The minister also awarded a project, costing SR69,839,766 for renovation and completion of lighting works in various districts of Jeddah. The capital city is currently witnessing the implementation of a massive public transport system, involving metro and bus networks. The system, called King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project, is being implemented in accordance with a comprehensive plan developed by Arriyadh Development Authority. The plan aims at providing all population groups with suitable public transport services, diversifying the transportation means in the city effectively and appropriately, in addition to keeping the use of private cars within the minimum limits. The metro network constitutes the backbone of the public transport system. With six lines at a total length of 176 km and 85 metro stations, the network will cover most of the densely populated areas, public facilities, and the educational, commercial and medical institutions. The network will be connected to King Khalid International Airport and King Abdullah Financial District, main universities, downtown and the public transport center. The bus network will be the main feeder of the Riyadh metro network. It will also be the main means of transportation within and among Riyadh districts. The network will have a fleet of 1,000 vehicles, 4 Bus Rapid Transit lines, 2 circular lines, 16 community lines and about 70 feeder lines.
