Foster + Partners has won the contract to develop a city-wide public transport plan for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.   The work includes the design of metro, ferry, bus, cycle, public spaces and stations.

The Jeddah Public Transport Programme (JPTP) consists of a three-line metro and light rail system, bus network, marine ferries and taxis and the supoportiung infrastructure, a tramway on the Corniche, around 46 stations, park and ride facilities and a bridge over the Obhur Creek.

The development of the metro system will also create a new urban amenity for the city at key locations below the elevated track.

The project is expected to cost $12 billion and authorities want it to be up and running within seven years.

The company said in a statement that it will be taking a “long-term, sustainable approach, which anticipates growth centuries from now”.

The statement added: “Designed in response to the local climate, the masterplan is city-wide and draws on the high-density, compacturban model of the ancient quarter of Al Balad, with its mixture of uses and comfortable, walkable shaded streets.

“Currently only 12 percent of the population live within a 10 minute walk of Jeddah’s transport nodes – the project aims to achieve 50 percent, through a process of densification and strategic planning.

“Each station node will create a new neighbourhood, with a unique character, and together these will create a diverse and vibrant city.”

Last year, Aecom Technology Corp secured an 18-month contract to provide consultancy services to support the preliminary planning and design phase of the Jeddah Public Transport Project. In July, French consultancy firm Systra won a contract to provide preliminary engineering designs for the project.

Source:  Arabian Business

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