Jeddah – -: Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025 witnessed the launch of the “Makkah Fare” service as one of the products of the General Transport Center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites; with the first license for the operating contract franchise system issued in Makkah Al-Mukarramah; The Commission announced that the service will enter into force starting from Monday, January 13, 2025, in a phased manner, and will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the allocation of 47 locations distributed throughout the city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah in the main station locations and around the Haram area, to ensure easy access and meet the needs of users efficiently.
For his part, the CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, Eng. Saleh Al-Rasheed, explained that the Royal Commission was keen to provide the latest technologies and specifications used globally in all “Makkah Taxi” service vehicles to be environmentally friendly and highly reliable, as they operate with “hybrid and electric” systems, which enhances Makkah’s position as a smart and sustainable city that combines technical development with facilitating and enriching the experience of pilgrims, Umrah performers and residents. Makkah is the first city in the Kingdom to operate under a license system for operating contracts for “Makkah Taxi” transportation services through operators who own a fleet of vehicles approved by the General Transport Center and licensed by the General Transport Authority, to provide high-quality, high-end transportation services according to approved standards, enabling beneficiaries to pay through multiple options: such as cash payment, credit cards, in addition to “Makkah Taxi”‘s commitment to the passenger approved by the General Transport Authority using electronic meters; Its vehicles include additional means to enhance the safety of passengers and drivers, including: surveillance cameras inside the vehicle to monitor events and ensure safety, sensors to measure the number of passengers to provide a safe and organized experience, in addition to an emergency button for quick response when needed, and a specialized call center to serve beneficiaries.
It is worth noting that His Excellency the Minister of Transport, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, handed over the operating license for “Makkah Taxi” to the operating company on the project launch platform at the conference, and it is expected that the total number of vehicles will reach about 1,800 vehicles by the end of 2025, which will contribute to improving transportation services and meeting the increasing demand in the city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah
