First! Saudi Arabia Launches Environmentally Friendly Autonomous Bus To Serve Hajj Pilgrims

Autonomous buses to serve pilgrims. (Twitter/@Spa_Eng)

JAKARTA - The General Authority of Transportation of Saudi Arabia (TGA) will introduce autonomous buses to serve pilgrims during the Hajj season in 1444 Hijri, as well as a new breakthrough.

These buses are part of an initiative to provide innovative and environmentally friendly transportation options for millions of worshipers visiting holy places.

These buses use artificial intelligence, cameras and sensors to operate on predetermined routes, citing Gulf News June 22.

By collecting and analyzing data during transit, the buses can make decisions to improve passenger experience and ensure safety.

The Saudi Transportation Authority revealed that each bus has a capacity of 11 seats. Each bus is capable of operating for six hours for one charge, with a maximum speed of up to 30 kilometers per hour.

This step aims to streamline the movement of pilgrims and evaluate the feasibility of using this advanced technology in the pilgrimage. The data and insight collected will help determine conditions for potential commercial operations in the coming years.

Citing The National News, this bus will serve Hajj pilgrims from Arafah to Muzdalifah for this year's Hajj season.

Saudi Arabian authorities estimate that this year the number of Hajj pilgrims will reach around 2.6 million people, along with the lifting of the overall COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

For the First Time, Transport General Authority Introduces Autonomous Vehicles to Facilitate Transportation of Pilgrims in Hajj 1444 AH.https://t.co/q1gNwXIimC#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/oxHZxkFWwH

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) June 21, 2023

For the First Time, Transport General Authority Introduces Autonomous Vehicles to Facilitate Transportation of Pilgrims in Hajj 1444 AH.https://t.co/q1gNwXIimC#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/oxHZxkFWwH