Self-driving vehicles to transport Hajj pilgrims for first time

Makkah: Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA), for the first time, is launching the trial of self-driving electric buses to serve the pilgrims this Hajj season besides providing innovative modern technologies for sustainable and environment-friendly transportation.

#خدمتكم_شرف ? | لأول مرة.. #الهيئة_العامة_للنقل_TGA تطلق حافلات ذاتية القيادة لتسهيل تنقل ضيوف الرحمن في حج 1444هـ.#بسلام_آمنين pic.twitter.com/0OdKC3QM8V

— الهيئة العامة للنقل | TGA (@Saudi_TGA) June 21, 2023

The initiative is part of the authority’s efforts to offer multiple transportation options, making it easier for the pilgrims.

The self-driving buses utilize artificial intelligence, cameras, and surrounding sensors to operate without human intervention along a predefined route.

They gather information during movement and analyze it to make necessary decisions, aiming to enhance passenger experience and ensure safety. Each bus has 11 seats, operates for six hours per charge, and can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h, SPA reported.

The service aims to facilitate the transportation of pilgrims and assess the feasibility of using these technologies during Hajj. It also aims to establish the necessary requirements for their commercial operation in coming years.

This falls within the role of the authority in providing different and diverse transportation options, as well as adopting modern technologies and smart mobility solutions to assess their suitability and contribution to providing a unique transportation experience for Hajj pilgrims.

It aims to ensure smooth and comfortable transportation and enable pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.