Saudi Transport Authority Strengthens Road Safety Through Nationwide Enforcement Drive
Riyadh – Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority has reinforced its commitment to safe, regulated, and high-quality mobility by successfully apprehending 1,417 unlicensed passenger transport operators within a single week of coordinated inspections across the Kingdom.
The intensified field operations, carried out between December 13 and December 19, reflect a proactive approach to maintaining order in the transport sector while ensuring that passengers receive reliable and legally compliant services.
Inspection teams identified and addressed violations involving private vehicles being used for passenger transport without proper authorization, taking firm legal action that included fines and vehicle impoundment.
Authorities reported that 799 individuals were apprehended for actively soliciting passengers using private vehicles without licenses, highlighting the scale of informal practices the campaign aims to eliminate.
An additional 618 individuals were found transporting passengers in unauthorized private vehicles, underscoring the importance of sustained monitoring and enforcement to protect public safety.
Officials emphasized that these measures are not punitive alone, but part of a broader strategy to improve service standards and promote fair competition within the transport ecosystem.
By removing illegal operators from the market, the authority is creating space for licensed providers to operate transparently and deliver services that meet safety, insurance, and quality requirements.
The initiative also strengthens public confidence in the transport system, reassuring residents and visitors that approved services are closely regulated and continuously monitored.
Passenger safety remains a central priority, as unlicensed transport often lacks proper vehicle inspections, trained drivers, and adequate insurance coverage.
Through these inspections, the authority is actively reducing risks associated with informal transport practices, including accidents, fare disputes, and security concerns.
The campaign aligns with national goals to modernize transport infrastructure while integrating regulatory oversight with digital monitoring and field-based enforcement.
Officials noted that such efforts contribute to a more competitive transport sector by encouraging compliance, innovation, and professional standards among service providers.
The authority’s ongoing operations also serve an educational purpose, sending a clear message that passenger transport activities must adhere to established legal frameworks.
By combining enforcement with awareness, regulators aim to guide individuals toward lawful employment opportunities within licensed platforms and companies.
The week-long results demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated inspections across regions, reflecting strong inter-agency cooperation and operational readiness.
Transport officials reiterated that inspections will continue regularly, ensuring that progress achieved through enforcement is sustained over the long term.
These actions support broader economic and social objectives by fostering a transport environment that is safe, efficient, and aligned with international best practices.
As urban mobility continues to expand across the Kingdom, regulatory vigilance remains essential to balance growth with accountability.
The Transport General Authority’s latest campaign stands as a positive example of how consistent oversight can enhance service quality while protecting passengers and legitimate operators alike.
