MADINAH — The "Tourist Bus" conducted the first experimental trip in Madinah on Tuesday. A company specialized in tourism will be operating the buses on behalf of the Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Development Authority. Fahad Al-Bayti, public relations officer of the authority, said the pilot trip, which was witnessed by media representatives, businessmen and women, was in preparation for the official launch of the project in coming days. He said the participants in the tour expressed admiration for the arrangements and equipment used. The double-decker buses are disabled friendly so that people with special needs can also benefit from the unique project. The trip, which starts from the Prophet's Mosque, took the visitors to 11 sites in Madinah, including the historical and archaeological landmarks such as Al-Baqea Cemetery, Mount Ohud, the Qablatin Mosque, Sultanah Road and commercial centers. Al-Bayti pointed that special consideration was given while fixing the price of the tickets to make them accessible to everyone. With emphasis placed on visitors coming from different parts of the world, the tours offer guides who speak eight languages. The project also includes five buses in the first stage, which will increase to 15 later. The service will run for 14 hours daily.
