Jeddah unveils ambitious plan for 20 water taxi stations alleviating traffic woes
In a bold move to tackle the ongoing traffic congestion challenges brought about by its growing population and influx of tourists, the Jeddah Mayoralty has announced the establishment of 20 water taxi stations.
These stations, with a daily capacity to transport 29,000 passengers, will connect the picturesque Obhur seafront to the heart of northern and central Jeddah.
This initiative forms an integral part of an expansive public transport network envisioned by the mayoralty to alleviate the city’s traffic woes. Jeddah, often referred to as the “Bride of the Red Sea,” has been grappling with congestion due to its thriving population and tourism industry. Alongside the water taxi project, the city is concurrently implementing a comprehensive public transport system, featuring an array of light and express metro lines, as well as an extensive bus network.
The Jeddah Mayoralty’s strategic approach to tackle traffic challenges extends beyond immediate concerns. It is part of a visionary transportation plan set to unfold well into the future, with a timeline stretching beyond the year 2030. To date, the mayoralty has successfully completed numerous infrastructure projects, including the construction of 40 bridges and tunnels. Among the notable accomplishments are the Madinah Road Intersection Project in northern Jeddah, various key intersections on the Jeddah-Jazan Road, and the transformation of the first and second coastal segments of the Jeddah-Jazan Road into a 43.65-kilometer highway.
Additional highlights include illuminating the remainder of Madinah Road leading to King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, a 70-kilometer road connection from Al-Qudaymah intersection to Osfan Road, and various other road improvement projects. These efforts have further extended to the creation of a ring road within Jeddah city to streamline traffic flow.
Moreover, the mayoralty is actively engaged in 23 distinct projects within the Jeddah governorate, encompassing road enhancements in the broader Makkah region. Key undertakings involve road construction from the Briman intersection on the East Airport Road to the Makkah-Madinah dual road, as well as the improvement of secondary roads, the Briman intersection road, lighting installations, and the establishment of a road linking King Abdullah Sports City to Jeddah city.
In addition to these developments, the mayoralty has dedicated resources to modify bridges, enhance intersections, and construct highways, notably those connecting Jeddah and Makkah. These initiatives collectively represent a determined effort to enhance transportation infrastructure and address the pressing challenges of traffic congestion in the vibrant city of Jeddah.