JEDDAH: The Haramain high-speed train service offered first free trip tocitizens on Friday. More than 200 citizens traveled from Madinah to Makkahon the Haramain Express’ test journey.

Nabil Al-Amoudi, transport minister and the chairman of the GeneralTransport Authority, accompanied the citizens on the historic train journey.

Before departing for their destination, passengers took a tour of thestation, which included the departure and arrival lounge, VIP lounge,mosque, civil defense center, a helipad, platforms and parking lots with acapacity of 1,000 vehicles.

Citizens were excited to embark on the journey and expressed their joy overthis great achievement. Tarek Al-Qahtani, one of the passengers, told SaudiPress Agency that he was impressed by the new service and the courteousstaff comprising young Saudi men and women. Many citizens expressed hopethat the new service would change the travel culture in the Kingdom for thebetter.

Fatima Mohammed felt proud of this national achievement, which she saidwould help serve the visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque and Madinah residentsin a better way.

Badreyah Sultan noted that the Kingdom has been witnessing greatdevelopment in all spheres of life and this train project is part of thoseuplift programs.