THE first phase of the new Makkah public transport project will be launched by the middle of next year, said Makkah mayor Osama Al Bar.

The SR62-billion ($17.59 billion) project, which includes a metro with four lines, 88 stations and a fast bus service network, will bring about a dramatic improvement in transport of pilgrims and citizens in the city, he said, adding, “There will be underground lines in areas surrounding the Grand Mosque extending to the Third Ring Road, while the lines beyond will be elevated.”

The three-phase public transport scheme is expected to be completed in 10 years, said Al Bar. The first phase of the project, costing around SR25.5 billion ($5.99 billion), is expected to be completed in three years, and includes the construction of a 30-km line from Um Al Qura University in Abidiya to Sayeda Aisha Mosque.

Al Balad Al Ameen, a company owned by the Makkah Mayoralty, conducted a technical study on the metro, which will be implemented by Makkah Railway Company. Systra, a French consultancy, and BW Engineers from Germany are also involved in the project. A consultancy service contract is expected to be signed with a British company for project management.

The bus service will be integrated with the metro system, Al Bar said, adding that the service covering 60 km would link various parts of the city with 60 stations.

There will be a local bus service to areas not covered by the metro and speed bus network. The local buses will cover 65 km between the Grand Mosque and the surrounding residential districts. In addition, there will be feeder bus services for the metro system.

Al Bar also revealed plans to implement a project to link the Mushayr Railway with Makkah in Shesha and the Haramain Railway station in Rusaifa.