RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has awarded Turkish construction giant Yuksel the SR1.9 billion ($506.6 million) Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which includes construction of 34 stations, 1,353 community bus stops and six pedestrian bridges in Riyadh.
The project will also serve as feeder lines for the metro stations being built in the capital and its suburbs to ease traffic congestion.
This was disclosed by Yuksel Chairman and CEO Emin Sazak, who gave Arab News an overview of the BRT project with a special reference to the company’s presence in the Gulf, its ongoing projects in the Middle East and Turkey, and its innovative technology and engineering know-how.
He said the BRT project, promoted and financed by Ar-Riyadh Development Authority (ADA), will mark the completion of the city’s transport infrastructure plan.
The new lines, along with the new transport information management system included in the overall project, will improve accessibility to public transport. “Every element of the BRT project is contributing to a more efficient, more sustainable and greener transport future for Riyadh,” he said.
“I salute the vision of the Saudi government led by King Salman, who has been the main force behind the development of the Kingdom, particularly Riyadh, since the days of his governorship.”
The project will include the much-needed bus terminals, passenger hubs, parking facilities and maintenance depots, he added.
“It’s a challenging project for which we’ll deploy 4,500 workers at the peak level,” he said. “Well-planned and delivered BRT systems with clean buses can provide metro-quality service at a fraction of the cost. This will generate an enormous shift from private cars to public transportation in Riyadh.” More info
