Self-driving electric buses to serve the pilgrims this Hajj season aiming to provide sustainable and environment-friendly transportation

For the first time, the Transport General Authority is beginning a trial of autonomous electric buses to transport pilgrims during the Hajj season. It aspires to offer cutting-edge contemporary technology for environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation. The programme is a part of the authority's attempts to provide the pilgrims with a variety of transportation alternatives.

Autonomous buses travel a predetermined route without a driver by using artificial intelligence, cameras, and environmental sensors. In order to improve the passenger experience and assure safety, they collect information while moving and analyse it to make the appropriate decisions. Each bus features 11 seats, can go up to 30 km/h, and has a 6-hour battery life. The service intends to make pilgrim mobility easier and determine whether employing these technologies during Hajj is practical. It also strives to develop the prerequisites for thitsuture commercial functioning.

This is within the authority's purview in terms of offering many and varied transportation alternatives, as well as incorporating contemporary technology and smart mobility solutions to gauge their applicability and contribution to offering Hajj pilgrims a distinctive transportation experience. It seeks to guarantee easy and comfortable transportation and give pilgrims the freedom and peace of mind to carry out their rites.