Saudi Gazette, 25 November 2023: Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority or TGA has announced it has approved a regulation regarding rights and obligations of public transport users.

It has also approved the schedule of violations and fines. They have done so in line with Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 44/1445 on the same topic.

The regulation includes four sections covering all of the rights and obligations of public transport users in the Kingdom. Among other requirements, passengers have to give up seats for families with children.

Passengers will also be entitled to be offered options if their mode of transportation is delayed or cancelled for more than 120 minutes.

The carrier must provide passengers with several options. They should offer passengers the option of proceeding with their journey, rescheduling with alternative routes at no extra cost, or opting for a full ticket refund and returning to their point of origin.

However, the carrier will be exempt from liability and minimum compensation for delays in arriving at final destinations, when it is caused by circumstances beyond their control. This includes situations where adverse weather conditions jeopardise safe operations or when exceptional circumstances or force majeure events disrupt regular services, despite all reasonable precautions being taken.

Passengers can choose between a full ticket refund for the unused itinerary, accompanied by compensation equivalent to 25% of the ticket value for the cancelled trip, or exploring alternative travel arrangements within three hours of the original departure time. This alternative must be in a class equivalent to their initial reservation and compensation must be equivalent to 25% of the ticket value for the cancelled trip.

It aims to increase the level of awareness about the rights and obligations of beneficiaries.

The first section in the regulation includes the general provisions that apply to all means of transport covered under the regulation.

The second section covers land transport. The provisions spell out the rights and obligations of public transport bus users in and between cities. They also specify the rights and obligations of users in assisting and enabling disabled people and those with limited mobility to use buses.

The third section covers railway transport. They clarify the rights and obligations of railway users in and between cities. They also clarify the rights and obligations of users in assisting and enabling disabled people to use trains.

The fourth section covers maritime transport. They clarify the rights and obligations of users of maritime transport. They also clarify the rights and obligations of users in assisting and enabling disabled people and those with limited mobility to use maritime transport.

The tables of classification of violations and penalties also specify the obligations of bus users in and between cities, the obligations of railway users in and between cities and the obligations of maritime transport users.

Additional reporting from Gulf News (United Arab Emirates) on 25 November 2023.

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