Analysis of public transportation system in makkah: Evaluation of efficiency, efficacity and safety operation of Almashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro (MMMSL)

Hamad Raja Almujibah 1, * and Constantin Gabriel Nistorescu 2

1 Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia.
2 International Consultant on Transportation, Railway Projects and Entrepreneur, 85 Great Portland Street, W1W 7LT, London, UK.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 2022, 02(01), 011–021.
Article DOI: 10.53346/wjast.2022.2.1.0038
Publication history: 
Received on 25 June 2022; revised on 02 August 2022; accepted on 04 August 2022
 
Abstract: 
The pilgrim passenger service was designed to support traffic capacities of 72,000 pphpd (during Hajj), the line length is approximate 18 Km, double track, and standard gauge. This study proposes to evaluate efficiency, efficacity and safety operation of the metro system build in Makkah, Almashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro (MMMSL). It is a special 18 Km of Metro line dedicated to support pilgrim service, especially during Hajj period. This line connects Arafat, Muzdalifah, Mina and Jamarat in Makkah area. This line was constructed in 2 years, during 2009 to 2011 time period, and entering in full service before Hajj, November 2011. This paper intends to suggest a further development(s) study concerning safety operation, and efficiency of the MMMSL metro line, and suggest potential infrastructure upgrades fit traffic capacities. Therefore, researchers present to the concerned reader(s) a paper structured to cater information for: introduction, line operation, dysfunctionalities, scheme development principles, identification of potential errors in scheme design, and recommendation for improvement. A qualitative research method was used, with both, literature review and five semi-structured interviews with industry experts. Research results indicated that more sample analysis and evaluation should be carried out, with a balance between a four-line metro system and upgrade the existing line to Maglev transport technology, software simulation of traffic capacities with verified software tools, analyse of station accommodation and loading / off-loading capacities, issues caused by signaling systems operating with OOP (Object Orientated Programming), etc. It was clearly outlined that existing metro system capacity cannot cope with 72,000 pphpd, and for existing forecasted figures of 2.5 million Hajj Pilgrims, a system with nearly 100,000 pphpd would satisfy requirements.
 
Keywords: 
MMMSL; Maglev; Hajj; Pilgrims; Safety operation; Scheme improvement
 
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