Hajj tour operators concerned by ban on old buses

Hajj and Umrah tour operators have voiced their concern on the soon-to-be-imposed ban on buses older than 10 years from exit or entry into Saudi Arabia.

They say such a move would have various consequences, especially that their business is of a seasonal nature and their targeted customers usually travel on a strict budget.

The implementation of a GCC economic agreement by the Ministry of Interior to deny buses that are over 10 years old entry/exit at Abu Samra port, to be simultaneously implemented by the Saudi authorities, has left stakeholders in the business with no option but to upgrade their fleet of buses before the decision is enforced on September 25.

“The decision has been taken and we must comply somehow. However, it leaves us with no choice and buses used within Saudi Arabia for Haj and Umrah purposes are usually more than 10 years old and sometimes even 20 years old (from the date of manufacture).

As compared to the buses that we use here, they are often of a lower quality. Nevertheless, the overall intention of the move seems good and plausible to me,” said Juma al-Kuwari, owner of Doha Haj Campaign.

He added that Qatari companies now have limited options regarding their old buses: sell them, operate internally or lease to other companies to be used for various purposes, such as workers’ transportation.

While the move has been generally welcomed by customers, who see it as a positive step towards having a more hassle-free journey, along with greater comfort and fewer chances of any delay due to unexpected breakdowns, they have expressed concern over a possible hike in the charges involved.

“It will be something good, but the main incentive for a person using land transportation is the cost. If the cost goes up, it will adversely affect a large segment of potential pilgrims,” said Mohamed Abdurrahman, an Arab expatriate.

Read more at Gulf Times