Self-Driving Buses Transporting Pilgrims to Holy Kaaba with Ease and Convenience in Hajj Season 2023

Makkah, Jun 28, 2023, SPA -- The government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud attaches the utmost importance to serving pilgrims. Every year, the government focuses on developing and updating its preparations to welcome the pilgrims. This is achieved by harnessing all modern technologies, human resources, technical expertise, and financial capabilities.
The Saudi government has embraced innovative modern technologies to enhance transportation methods for serving pilgrims. This allows individuals of different abilities, ages, genders, and nationalities to perform their rituals efficiently. It facilitates the pilgrimage for the elderly, people with disabilities, and women, ensuring their comfort throughout the entire journey.
As a result, the pilgrims during this Hajj season 2023 will experience the unique phenomenon of self-driving shuttle buses. This is a testament to the commitment of the transportation and logistics system to provide innovative and modern technologies for serving the pilgrims. Additionally, this initiative promotes environmentally friendly transportation options while ensuring the pilgrims' convenience and ease of travel.
Self-driving buses utilize artificial intelligence (AI), cameras, and surrounding sensors to navigate along a designated route without human intervention. They collect and analyze data during the journey to make necessary decisions to enhance the passenger experience and ensure vital safety measures. Each bus has nine seats and operates for six hours per electric charge, reaching a maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour.
This falls within the role of the transportation and logistics system in providing diverse and varied transportation options. It embraces modern technologies and smart mobility to assess their suitability and contribution to delivering a distinctive transportation experience for the pilgrims. The aim is to ensure their comfortable and secure travel, enabling them to perform their rituals smoothly, easily, and with tranquility.
--SPA