Project Description
Phillip Boyle & Associates is working with Makkah Mass Rail Transit Company (MMRTC) to develop a comprehensive greenfield urban bus network for Makkah in Saudi Arabia. (We are also providing support during the Request for Proposal process). The network will initially operate twelve BRT and local services across the city, linking to the new metro system, and will eventually comprise 800 buses.
Highlights
To support the contracting process, we have delivered a full set of draft timetables, vehicle blocks and driver shifts for all routes as part of the Phase 1 network. We are supporting MMRTC through the shortlisting and evaluation process.
Scope of Works
Key Tasks
Phillip Boyle & Associates’ tasks have included:
- Providing specialist advice about network development
- Generating estimated running times
- Preparing draft timetables and route alignments for different operating conditions
- Providing initial scheduling solutions.
We are continuing to work with MMRTC to assist the successful bidder for the operations contract in a range of implementation tasks and to establish strong in-house operational planning capabilities.
Key Challenges
Operation of public transport in Makkah presents a number of unique challenges:
- General congestion
- Road network difficulties
- Extreme operating conditions during the annual Hajj
- Changing daily peaks related to prayer-time variations
- Impacts of religious observances during different times of the year, such as Ramadan.
These factors have impacted significantly on network design and timetabling and scheduling solutions.
Our Clients
