Saudi Gazette Cool breezy weather, lush green grass, high mountains, and beautiful flowers attract visitors to the Asir region, who wish to escape the heat and commotion of the city life. The only drawback to vacationing in the scenic towns of Abha or Al-Baha is the lack of transportation services. It is extremely hard (next to impossible) to find a taxi to take you from place to place. The receptionists at the hotel may offer you the number of a driver who may use his personal car to move tourists around, but you are at the mercy of the driver's schedule and his car which is very often unkempt and run-down. The transportation problem for tourists, visitors, and residents of the Asir region has finally been resolved. On Monday, Dec. 5, the Prince of the Asir region, Prince Faisal Bin Khalid bin Abdul Aziz announced that new taxi cabs will be delivered to the Asir region in the near future. The plan is already under-way to distribute 100 taxis of the latest models in Abha and its neighboring towns. Prince Faisal Bin Khalid urged business men abroad and within the region to invest in business outlets and other services to facilitate tourists, comfort. Not only will the taxis provide great assistance to tourists, but it will also lift the plight of everyday residents of the area, who do not own cars, and face difficulty in getting to work and taking care of family affairs. Prince Khalid Bin Faisal said during his public announcement and inauguration of the taxi company, “The launch of the taxi company coincides with the time when the region is witnessing increased development and population growth. We hope that this will ease the transportation problems that the residents are facing. It will also expedite tourism and allow visitors to move around comfortably, safely, and securely.” The presence of taxis in this region of the Kingdom is long overdue, but late is better than never. Each year the region receives over two million tourists who need proper transportation services. The project is staring with 100 taxis, but there is much optimism by the owner of the taxi company, Muhammad Al Wahtan, that by next year the number of taxis will jump to 400. The taxis will operate at the airport in Abha and within the towns of the Asir region. __
