Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) is franchising the intercity bus network, covering more than 200 cities, as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy. The three franchise areas will transport more than six million passengers annually across 76 routes, served by a new fleet of over 560 buses.

Moventia, a Spanish-based international multi-modal transit operator, engaged Direx Solutions as its Technical and Commercial Advisor to provide specialist support during the tender phase.

Our scope of services included:

• development of the overall strategic approach and innovative operating concept;
• preparing fleet specifications and working with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to procure vehicles;
• defining bus stop infrastructure specifications;
• preparing environmental and social value strategies; and
• developing ridership and financial models for the business plan.

The Operator was successful and was awarded a 10-year concession contract to manage intercity buses for the northwest region, worth more than USD500 million. This includes operating 23 lines with 150, 12-metre buses.

The franchise will be operated by Moventis, the public transport division of Moventia, in consortium with Al Qaid, a Saudi bus company.