(06/06/2018) 

Besides this period additional to the one included in the conciliation agreement (see piece of news), the payment by the client of 210 million euros (930 million Saudi riyals) destined for the provision of the service has been agreed.

Also included are other commercial improvements like the progressive return of the guarantees of execution as the different elements of the project enter into operation as well as keeping the requirements for the collection of 35 million euros (150 million Saudi riyals) for the proper performance of the trials that were started last December.

Phases

During an initial phase and until January 2019, commercial pre-operation will offer commercial services between Mecca and Medina with stops at Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) stations on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. From January to September 2019 commercial services will be provided every day.

The agreement aims to extend the system demonstration tests until next September. These services, which started in December 2017 and have been performed every week on Fridays and Saturdays, were used by over 4,500 passengers invited by the Saudi authorities until 15 March 2018.

The passengers invited have given an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 to the overall services provided during the tests. The best ratings correspond to the service provided by the on-board staff, the stations and the comfort of the trains.