The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding 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. It was signed by GACA's Director General of the General Administration of Privatization and Commercial Operation, Eng. Alaa Samman, and on behalf of the Jeddah Metro Company, by its CEO, Dr. Osama Abdo, and on behalf of the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO), by its CEO, Eng. Khalid Al-Hugail. The agreement was signed at the new King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. GACA explained that the signing of the memorandum of understanding comes from the keenness of civil aviation to harness all that is needed to facilitate services at the Kingdom's airports, to provide the best services to enhance the transportation system in the city of Jeddah and its facilities through multiple medium and to expand the range of options for passengers to travel to and from King Airport Abdulaziz International. GACA 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. GACA will also allow the company to carry out its role in monitoring the performance of the service and monitor its commitment to the schedule. It will also oversee the cleanliness of the buses internally and externally and the safety of their equipment. This is in addition to coordinating with the government and private entities operating at KAIA to facilitate the implementation of bus service to and from Terminal 1. For its part, the Jeddah Metro Company will identify the hubs and routes of buses to transport passengers to and from Terminal (1) at KAIA and its stopping points. It will also issue the necessary approvals in coordination with GACA, and expand the service to cover the city of Jeddah gradually. Furthermore, it will add routes for service to and from Terminal (1) and ensure the integrity of the service provided throughout the city Jeddah. For its part, the Saudi Public Transport Company "SAPTCO", stressed that the service (fast track) bus transportation to and from KAIA in Jeddah, will be through modern buses that are configured for this type of service, with a regular schedule. A trip will be launched every half hour from the airport through Prince Majed Road to King Abdullah Road and on to Corniche Road continuing to the city center. SAPTCO station intercity transport services are available, if the traveler wishes to complete the journey to other destinations within the Kingdom through various services provided by SAPTCO. It should be noted that the memorandum took into account the places allocated for people with special needs, and the allocation for areas designated for women. A special emblem will mark buses dedicated to this service, and provide them with screens that specify their routes. Each bus can accommodate (33) passengers, and the price for each trip was set for (10) Riyals in each direction, in its trial phase. This service will also target airport's staff, where packages will be offered to suit the customers who benefit from this service frequently and periodically.
