JEDDAH: The Jeddah Water Taxi project was officially inaugurated by the city’s mayor on Thursday, the Jeddah Transport Company announced.
The first phase of the project connects three main areas: the Jeddah Yacht Club, the city’s historic Al-Balad area, and Obhur, with potential for future expansion to other locations.
Mayor Saleh Al-Turki launched the project in a ceremony attended by Rumaih Al-Rumaih, deputy minister of transport and logistics services.
Al-Turki expressed his happiness at the launch of the project and told Arab News that the water taxi project “reflects the Kingdom’s vision to strengthen transport infrastructure and provide modern transportation options that ease the movement of citizens, residents, and visitors, while also serving as a strategic addition to tourism and maritime transport in Jeddah in alignment with Vision 2030 initiatives.”
The event was attended by numerous prominent figures, including government officials and heads of organizations and companies related to transportation and logistics.
Yousef Al-Sayegh, CEO of JTC, spoke about the project’s role in enhancing mobility and improving the quality of life in Jeddah.
“The project will enhance safe and efficient marine mobility and contribute to improving the quality of life in Jeddah,” he said.
“In the past, the easiest and fastest route was through the port. Now, with the 2030 vision and the focus on tourism, we wanted to create an engagement leading toward that objective, so we are using air-conditioned water taxis.
“The trial operation of the water taxi is through MACNA, a local project operator, for a limited period to transport passengers between ready and attractive locations with the aim of testing the service, gathering data, and understanding the market.”
Al-Sayegh also highlighted an agreement with the Ministry of Culture for the use of golf carts in Al-Balad, providing transport to and from the port.
For the first phase of the project, there are two boats: one with a capacity of 94 passengers and the other with a capacity of 55 passengers.
A dedicated app has been made available for those wishing to experience the water taxi, with details accessible via the Jeddah Transportation Company app.
The water taxi operates daily from 3:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. during Ramadan, with fares ranging from SR25-50 ($6.60-$13.30) per trip, and children ride for free. Special entry and exit points for people with disabilities are available, with a capacity for up to four wheelchairs.
