Following a meeting of the Higher Commission that was held to deal with the pilgrims’ transport issue, Dr. Fouad Bin Abdul Salam Al-Farsi; the Saudi Minister of Hajj, announced the expected increase of the transportation fees. He declared that the increase will reach a percentage of fifty percent.

However, he did not define a precise date for the implementation of this order. He left its implementation for an indefinite date in the future saying that the Saudi Authorities will need time to investigate and better study that order.

Dr. Fouad Bin Abdul Salam Al-Farsi declared that 19.000 buses will be at the disposal of pilgrims to ensure the best conditions of their transport between the Saudi Arabia cities. He insisted on the Saudi target to guarantee the pilgrims’ security, safety and interests. Namely, 16 companies will be responsible for monitoring this transport service. Thus, the Saudi sector of transport is witnessing a considerable progress due the state’s efforts.

 

According to the Saudi minister of hajj, 200 buses is the number of the means of transport by which all the nationalities; Iranians, Arabic and non-Arabic speaking African countries will be carried. He declared that the Cars General Syndicate will be collaborating with the Traffic Department to work with an electronic system too. The minister said that any responsible must redouble his/her efforts to prevent pollution caused by the fumes. He said that the buses will go through permanent control and a periodic inspection to ensure its safety and security. He added that there are continuous testing programs to ensure all the safety measures .


The Saudi minister of hajj announced that the Cars General Syndicate each year launches its program to recruit new drivers for vacant positions.

Moreover, He insisted on the sufficiency of the Zemzem water that is provided to pilgrims. He added that the Saudi authorities have got no plans to augment the quantity in 2010. He explained that the steel tanks are sufficient enough to supply pilgrims. Tanks are clean and secure, he added too.


He added to say that all the Saudi authorities are doing their best to ensure the safe and secure conditions to offer   the pilgrims the opportunity to perform hajj in the best conditions.