The Transport General Authority (TGA)
The Transport General Authority (TGA) is the primary regulatory and legislative body overseeing the land, maritime, and railway transport sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The authority plays a crucial role in ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency in the country’s transport infrastructure, aligning its work with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to enhance socio-economic growth through an advanced, sustainable transport system.
TGA was formally established through Resolution No. 373 by the Council of Ministers on Dhu al-Qadah 15, 1433 AH (October 1, 2012 AD) under its former name, the Public Transport Authority (PTA). It has undergone several transformations since, with a significant milestone occurring in 2019, when its name was changed from PTA to Transport General Authority (TGA), reflecting its expanded role.
• 2012: Establishment of the Public Transport Authority (PTA).
• 2013: Enactment of the PTA’s legal framework through Resolution No. 323.
• 2016: Saudi Railway Commission merged into the PTA, expanding the scope of the Authority to include railway regulation.
• 2017: The PTA was restructured to report directly to the Prime Minister and given an independent board of directors.
• 2019: The name changed to Transport General Authority (TGA), with a broader mandate for overseeing all forms of transport in the Kingdom.
• Vision: To create a safe, efficient, integrated, and environmentally friendly transport system, contributing to the sustainable development of Saudi Arabia.
• Mission: To organize, regulate, and develop land, sea, and rail transport activities, providing high-quality transport services at an affordable cost. The authority leverages modern technologies and promotes private-sector participation to achieve the Kingdom’s economic development goals.
1. Regulatory Improvement: Enhance the regulatory and legislative framework for land, maritime, and railway transport to ensure smooth and efficient operations across sectors.
2. Integrated Public Transport: Establish and maintain integrated transport networks covering land, maritime, and railway transport to meet growing demand for public transport services.
3. Safety and Quality Standards: Implement and monitor the highest safety and quality standards in all modes of transport, ensuring compliance across sectors.
4. Environmental Standards: Adopt and enforce environmental standards to minimize ecological impacts, conserve energy, and promote sustainable transport solutions.
5. Investment Promotion: Create opportunities for private-sector investment in the transport industry, encouraging innovation and infrastructure development through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
6. Public Transport Usage: Drive public transport adoption by promoting its benefits, making it a more attractive option for the general public.
7. Technological Advancements: Integrate modern technologies to monitor, manage, and control the transport sectors efficiently, enhancing overall system performance and transparency.
As part of the broader Vision 2030 initiative, the TGA plays a critical role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s transport system to become a key enabler of economic diversification. The authority focuses on:
• Reducing environmental impact through the adoption of green technologies.
• Encouraging foreign investment and public-private partnerships to modernize transport infrastructure.
• Supporting the development of smart cities with integrated transport systems to foster urban mobility and sustainable growth.
Through its focus on innovation, investment, and sustainability, the TGA is instrumental in advancing Saudi Arabia’s transport sector to meet international standards and support the nation’s long-term economic development and global competitiveness.
• Website: www.tga.gov.sa
• Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Industry: Regulatory Authority in Land, Maritime, and Rail Transport
By providing strong governance, fostering private sector partnerships, and encouraging sustainability, the Transport General Authority ensures that Saudi Arabia’s transport infrastructure supports both current and future needs in line with its ambitious national goals.