The Transport General Authority (TGA) is the competent entity for regulating the rail, sea, and land transport industries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was founded in 2012 as the Public Transport Authority (PTA). On August 22, 2017, the PTA’s organization was amended such that it became under the Prime Minister’s remit and is run by a board whose chair is appointed by a Royal Decree. The PTA changed its name to the TGA in 2019.
The TGA issues licenses for transport activities, service quality, and safety control, and holds numerous memberships, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), and the International Union of Railways (UIC).
The early beginnings of the construction and development of land roads in the Kingdom date back to 1927, while the paving of roads in various areas around the Kingdom began in 1938, leading to the construction of a national grid of roads and highways, and until the passing of the Law of Roads and Buildings on January 28, 1941.
Strategic objectives of TGA
The TGA is working to develop rail, sea, and land transport activities in order to provide an efficient, high-quality transport environment based on the latest technology. It also supports investment opportunities in the transport industry in line with the goals of economic and social development according to Saudi Vision 2030. Furthermore, the TGA aims to achieve excellence in transport regulation, enable sustainable transport, operationalize transport sectoral strategies, and focus on beneficiaries by improving the safe movement of passengers and cargo, raising the competitiveness of transport services, engaging the private sector, and promoting strategic partnerships, all the way to achieving intellectual leadership in transport.
Headquarters of TGA
The TGA’s headquarters is located in the capital, Riyadh, and has branches in Riyadh Province, Makkah al-Mukarramah Province, and the Eastern Province, as well as service centers in a number of provinces and governorates across the Kingdom.
Sectors
The TGA operates in three main sectors:
- Land Transport Sector: Land transport services are essential for supporting the Kingdom's economic and social development. The TGA’s road transport sector is responsible for organizing and developing all land-borne transport activities, including buses, taxis, rentals, and trucks, in addition to supporting activities and making the aforementioned high economic and social returns. The sector also grants licenses and permits to vehicles, operators, and transport facilities; monitors operation; develops implementing regulations and ensures compliance therewith; employs technology in oversight and control to ensure fair competition among service providers; and protects users' interests.
- Sea Transport Sector: The TGA’s sea transport sector focuses on the development and advancement of the Saudi fleet of ships, the rehabilitation of mariners' capabilities in line with international safety standards, and the protection of the marine environment and maritime security as per the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The sector also aims to sustainably enhance and develop the level of shipping services in order to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
- Rail Transport Sector: The TGA’s rail transport sector focuses on overseeing the quality and efficiency of rail transport in the Kingdom in general. Further, it also licenses rail transport providers, develops services, and oversees the allocation of railways in partnership with the private sector internationally and locally, as well as the development of the railway network within the framework of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
New visual identity for TGA
On February 13, 2023, the TGA revealed the details of its new visual identity, which runs from present to future and from the point of departure to destination, bearing the slogan "Moving to the Future". The identity is inspired by sustainability, cooperation, and inclusiveness in order to achieve the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
The new logo and identity blended three main colors: yellow, light blue, and deep blue. This fusion is indicative of a smooth commuting journey and represents the symbolism of different modes of transport. This comes in addition to a symbol for sustainability and prosperity derived from the Kingdom's identity. Within the heart of the shape, depicting directions, the national emblem – comprising two swords and a palm tree – stands as a symbol of both strength and growth. Moreover, it serves as a dynamic motif, imparting a sense of motion and vitality.
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