After completing two successful test phases, Community Life is now expanding its app-based mobility service. This is paired with a change in the bus schedule.
The on-demand bus app uses smart technology to put rides together who are going in the same direction.
The new service aims to enhance the experience for community members who use on-campus buses, and it has several advantages:
- Flexible – The bus arrives upon request and takes you to your chosen destination
- Efficient – The average trip duration is shorter than with the existing service
- Eco-friendly – The new service emits and consumes less than the existing service
Pilot feedback
We’ve received positive feedback from community members that tested the on-demand bus during our two test phases. 73 percent of test users preferred it to the existing bus service. We’ve implemented your feedback and the new app-based mobility service will become fully operational on Sunday, February 2.
“It’s like a shared Uber-ride using buses,” one user said.
On-campus bus schedule update
Effective February 2, the color-coded on-campus bus schedule (including weekends) will be adjusted and complemented by the on-demand service. Please find the new schedule below.
| on-demand service | color-coded bus | |
| 6:30 A.M. – 9:30 A.M. | – | every 15 minutes |
| 9:30 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. | ✓ | every 30 minutes |
| 7:00 P.M. – 1:00 A.M. | ✓ | – |
Booking an on-demand bus ride
To use this new service, download the app available on Google Play Store or Apple App Store. WiFi is available at every bus stop on campus.
A smartphone is not required to book a trip with the on-demand bus; you can call the Saptco helpdesk for booking assistance at 012-808-5222. Calls can also be made from home phones or phones in recreation centers.
The on-demand bus will take you directly to the bus stop closest to your destination on campus and in residential areas of KAUST, so you don’t lose time changing buses anymore.
The on-demand bus covers the area indicated on the map. South Beach and King Abdullah Monument are currently excluded from the operational area. Fun Bus (route 2) to South Beach and King Abdullah Monument (KAM) Bus route follow the same operational schedule as before.
Please note that the Fun Bus (route 1) to Safaa Golf Club has been cancelled.
Contact us
For more information or technical support contact Saptco at saptco.bus@kaust.edu.sa or 012-808-5222.
On-demand or autonomous?
Please note that this new on-demand bus is a separate service to the autonomous shuttle which has also launched recently. Learn more about the autonomous shuttle.
Regards,
Nabeel Masoudi
Interim Director, Community Services & Engagement
1 Comment
The on-demand bus increased the waiting time drastically. I have waited for 10 to 25 min for getting the bus. Sometimes, the routine bus arrives before the on-demand one. Also, you can not book if the wi-fi is not working. It happened to me that I waited 20 min, and as the net connection lost the driver refused to pick-up us.
While going back to the home timings (~5 pm), the buses are mostly full, so we need to wait for the 30 min regular buses and additionally go round and round.
It will be great if we have regular buses between 4.30 to 6 pm running every 15min.