Over 34,000 TGA Inspection Tours Ensure Safety In Makkah And Madinah For Ramadan

In a significant move to ensure the safety and compliance of transport services in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah during the first week of Ramadan, the Transport General Authority (TGA) has conducted over 34,000 inspection tours. This initiative underscores TGA's commitment to maintaining high standards and regulations, particularly during the peak season of Umrah, to safeguard the well-being of visitors and worshippers.

The extensive inspections, which spanned across both cities, revealed noteworthy compliance rates alongside several violations. In Makkah, out of 24,632 tours, authorities reported 5,530 violations, achieving a compliance rate of 90%. Meanwhile, in Madinah, from 9,711 inspection tours, there were 1,054 violations with a higher compliance rate of 93%. These figures reflect the diligent efforts of TGA to enforce regulations and ensure that transport services meet the required standards.

The inspections uncovered a range of violations among different modes of transport. In Makkah, bus-related infractions were most prevalent, including drivers operating without a valid driver card, buses lacking essential technical equipment, and the absence of an assistant driver for extended journeys. Truck violations mainly involved operating without an operation card or with a canceled one, failure to provide necessary transport documents for goods, and not meeting minimum safety requirements. Taxi violations included drivers not wearing uniforms, vehicles not meeting technical and maintenance standards, and lacking crucial technical equipment.

In Madinah, similar issues were observed. Bus violations primarily involved employing drivers without an operation card, insufficient technical equipment on buses, and operating buses with non-functional toilets. Truck violations included operating without an operation card or necessary goods transport documents and non-compliance with required protection barriers specifications. Taxi infractions were similar to those in Makkah, focusing on operation without an operation card, inadequate vehicle maintenance and technical standards, and drivers not adhering to uniform regulations.

The concerted efforts by TGA during the first week of Ramadan highlight the authority's proactive approach to ensuring that transport services in Makkah and Madinah adhere to established safety standards and regulations. By addressing these violations promptly and efficiently, TGA aims to enhance the overall experience of Umrah performers and visitors in these holy cities.

With inputs from SPA