Public transportation rules to change in Saudi Arabia: details

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new rule requiring passengers to give up their seats to families with children on public transport.

The new regulation, published in the Official Gazette of Saudi Arabia, outlines a detailed list of rights and obligations for users of public transport, including buses, trains, subways, and ships, Gulf News reports.

The comprehensive regulation consists of 76 articles and includes 6 tables detailing violations and fines to ensure strict compliance. Among the noteworthy provisions, passengers have a number of rights when faced with cancellations or delays exceeding 120 minutes.

In the case of long delays or cancellations, the carrier is obliged to provide passengers with several options. Passengers can continue their journey, be transferred to alternative routes at no additional cost, or choose to receive a full refund by returning to the point of departure.

However, the carrier is exempt from liability and minimal compensation for delayed arrival at the final destination when it is caused by circumstances beyond its control. This includes cases when adverse weather conditions jeopardize safe operation or when exceptional circumstances or force majeure disrupt regular service despite all reasonable precautions taken.

Passengers who cancel their trip have the right to choose between a full refund of the ticket price for the unused route, accompanied by compensation equivalent to 25 percent of the ticket price for the canceled trip, or the opportunity to consider alternative travel options within three hours of the original departure time.

This alternative option must be in a class equivalent to the original booking and is subject to a compensation equal to 25 percent of the ticket price for the canceled flight.