مقترح بربط قطار المشاعر بمطار الطائف..

In a qualitative step for the transportation system and the service of the guests of الرحمن, member of the Saudi Engineers Association, engineer Abdulaziz Al-Suhaibani, proposed linking the Mashair train with Taif Airport, along with establishing a station near the Holy Mosque that allows direct connection with the Haramain High-Speed Train. The proposal aims to transform Taif Airport into a main outlet supporting King Abdulaziz International Airport, to receive pilgrims and visitors throughout the year. Al-Suhaibani pointed out that the Mashair train, which is considered one of the largest transportation projects serving pilgrims, operates during the Hajj season, and its capacity can be utilized more effectively to support the movement of Umrah performers and visitors. For his part, Dr. Musleh Al-Harithi, a member of the Shura Council, confirmed to "Okaz" the validity of the proposal, noting that the idea was previously presented under the dome of the Shura in 2021, due to its high economic and service feasibility in enhancing the Kingdom's capabilities to serve the guests of الرحمن within the targets of Vision 2030. The proposal comes at a time when "Okaz" published details of a survey circulated last year, which recorded citizens' opinions on establishing a train station linking Taif and Riyadh, covering various axes related to travel patterns and the need for the project. It is worth mentioning that the railway project currently under study to connect Riyadh and Jeddah may not pass directly through Taif, but rather north of it near the villages of Ashira, about 80 kilometers from the "New Taif" project. The Taif Municipality is working in coordination with the Public Transport Authority to study the establishment of a secondary route linking the governorate to the main project.