Rashid Al-Fouzan Al-Riyadh We have a national air carrier, which is the Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), but when we look for a viable national land transport service we do not find anything. I do not mean trains or metros but buses and special government-operated land carriers. Many people suffer because of inadequate transport facilities in the country. Women are forced to leave their jobs and female students drop out of university because of a lack of transportation means. Their only option is to rely on “private transport,” which is run by illegal foreigners who use their private cars as taxis. This sector has become open for everyone to work in. The Ministry of Transport and other responsible authorities are completely oblivious to the plight of the people. These people are in desperate need of a proper public transport network. I suggest the establishment of a government-backed transport company with the participation of the private sector. This company should have coaches and sedans to pick people from their homes and offices at reasonable rates. There should be a toll-free telephone number for customers to contact the company for its services. The Transport Ministry should supervise and manage the company. The ministry does not have to resolve the transport problem through a mega project, which may take long years to achieve. What is needed is a quick solution to the transportation dilemma, which can be found in the establishment of a government-run public transport company. There will not be any sustainable development in the absence of a reliable inter-city transport system. This is the missing link for the Ministry of Transport to address immediately.
