Over 18,000 electric carts for pilgrims

RIYADH: There will be more than 18,000 carts available for pilgrims who have difficulty in movement at the Grand Mosque to perform their Islamic duties during the holy month of Ramadan.
The number includes free carts, wagons, electric cars as well as special vehicles managed by 106 government officials with the help of 80 youths who are temporarily employed through an organized plan.
“The plan was developed by the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques,” said Engr. Faris Al-Matrafi, vehicle management director at the Grand Mosque.
He said that the 18,000 carts are divided into four types and will work in three shifts, adding that some of these are free of charge and will be found in different locations.
There are 5,000 special edition vehicles, which are privately owned and officially authorized by the vehicles management. The charge is SR75 and these are available on three shifts. There are also 550 carts operating only on the first floor of the Grand Mosque and the fee is SR100, he said.
There are also 300 electric carts (scooters) operated by a private company. It rents out each scooter at SR100.
Al-Matrafi said that there are 174 observers who make sure that everything is all right and would be on hand if and when a problem such as fraud or similar problems crop up.