Rumaih Al-Rumaih Elected As Chair Of UITP MENA Division For Sustainable Transport Initiatives Until 2028

Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Acting President of the Transport General Authority (TGA), has been chosen as Chair of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) until 2028. This decision was made during the UITP MENA Conference in Hamburg, Germany, where he received the most votes from transport sector leaders and relevant authorities.

Al-Rumaih's election is credited to his leadership in modernising transport systems and his extensive experience with national projects. He has represented Saudi Arabia in international forums and is committed to sustainability and quality in urban transport. His deep understanding of the sector’s needs and future challenges also played a significant role.

The TGA took part in discussions at the conference about key developments and challenges in the transport sector, such as bus operations, freight trucking, and taxi services. Al-Rumaih expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him, viewing his election as a chance to collaborate with transport experts globally.

During his speech at the conference, Al-Rumaih stated, "I am delighted to be with you today and to begin this new phase of work with a distinguished team of leaders and professionals. I believe that public transport is not just about infrastructure, but about experience, equity, accessibility, and sustainability."

He highlighted that despite challenges like integration and service quality, investments continue in train networks, rapid transit buses, electric buses, and first- and last-mile solutions. He mentioned the Riyadh Metro's launch earlier this year as one of the largest public transport systems globally to start full operation in one phase.

Six months post-launch, Riyadh Metro has seen high daily usage rates and strong public acceptance. It has notably shifted mobility behaviour across Riyadh. Al-Rumaih noted that when clean, safe, accessible transport services are provided, people adapt positively.

Collaboration for Future Growth

Al-Rumaih concluded by emphasising that building a sustainable transport system requires collaboration among governments, operators, private sectors, and civil society. "Building a sustainable, human-centered transport system requires genuine collaboration among governments, operators, the private sector, and civil society," he said.

The UITP plays a crucial role in fostering this collaboration. Its importance will only increase in coming years as efforts continue towards developing sustainable urban transport solutions worldwide.

With inputs from SPA