Minister : Transport strategy to keep pace with Kingdom's futuristic needs

Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry has thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for the approval issued by the Council of Ministers to a national transport strategy drawn up by the Transport Ministry. The strategy specifies the general guidelines and strategic plans aimed at creating an integrated sector incorporating safety, effectiveness, competency and technological development, the Saudi Press Agency reported. "The strategy, which provides for a transport sector covering all means of transportation to keep pace with the futuristic needs of the Kingdom, distinguished by features of safety and efficiency accompanied by technological advancement. It will also serve as support to the economic development and competitiveness of the Kingdom globally besides assuring a healthy and safe environment for the members in the society," Al-Seraisry said while expressing his thanks. The minister added that the strategy also aims to raise the safety level on roads so that accidents, injuries, losses and deaths are minimized. The strategy also has given stress on the environment protection with steps to avoid or lightening the factors that negatively affect the environment, he said. Required regulations for environment protection will be formulated in collaboration with the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment Protection, he said. There are also provisions for the rapid movement of equipment during natural and other calamities. The special needs of the Haj season with varying modes of transportation are also considered in the strategy. The special features of the strategy include the shared responsibility in the development of the transport sector, decentralization with the participation of the private sector, regional and international participation, integrated development and operation of transport infrastructure, he said.