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.

Direx Solutions acted as Technical and Commercial Advisor to Moventia, a Spanish-based international multi-modal transit operator, which has been awarded a 10-year, USD580 million concession contract for the northwest region, operating 23 lines with 150, 12-metre buses.

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