Eastern Province Expands Public Bus Network

Public bus services in the Eastern Province are expanding as sabtco, working under the Eastern Province Municipality and the Transport General Authority, extends its network connecting Dammam, Al-Khobar, Dhahran and Qatif. The service links city centers and major districts to give residents a practical alternative to using private cars.

The network currently operates 10 routes with 279 stops, serving key areas across the four cities. Trial operation on selected tracks began in October 2022 and was later expanded in a second phase to include Al-Khobar North, Dammam King Fahd Airport, and Dammam Industrial City II. Some tracks remain under trial with temporary starting and assembly points until final station locations are confirmed. The operating contract for the Dammam and Qatif project runs for five years.

Buses run 18 hours a day, from 05:30 to 23:30, seven days a week, with intervals of roughly 15 to 33 minutes on main lines. The fleet is modern and air-conditioned, equipped for people with disabilities, with a capacity of around 81 passengers The full project design covers 453 km across 8 tracks, with 212 stops and 85 buses.

Fares and payment

The standard single fare on city routes is about SAR 3.45 per trip, a flat rate within the route regardless of distance, with survey data showing more than 90% passenger satisfaction. Fares are paid through a smart card that can be purchased and recharged at self-service machines or via a dedicated mobile app, with on-board or station payment depending on the stop.

A separate airport service links King Fahd International Airport with the cities: one-way fares are SAR 21 to Dammam city center (about 30 minutes) and SAR 26 to Al-Khobar (about 40 minutes). For commuters and residents, the expanded network offers affordable, reliable transport and supports efforts to ease traffic and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

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