Shalaby: 300 buses will be inspected, and we need only 267
Chamber of Tourism Companies: modern models and extra emergency buses on Egyptian, Jordanian and Saudi territory
By Akram Medhat
Magdy Shalaby, head of the Tourism Companies and Tour Guides Sector at the Ministry of Tourism and chairman of the Higher Committee for Umrah and Hajj, said that around 300 buses will be inspected to transport 12,000 land pilgrims this year, explaining that tourist Hajj needs only 267 buses, but the ministry provides more than the required number as a precaution against any circumstance and to ensure pilgrims' comfort and punctual schedules during the 1440 AH/2019 tourist Hajj season.
In a related context, Ahmed Ibrahim, head of the Religious Tourism Committee at the Chamber of Tourism Companies, said the regulations oblige companies to provide drivers for each bus, provided that each driver is registered with the ministry, has undergone a medical examination, has completed practical and theoretical training, is punctual and does not accept tips or any money from pilgrims, noting that buses must not be models older than 2010 and must be equipped with a GPS electronic tracking device, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit and a full tool kit.
Ibrahim explained that the buses will be inspected after the lottery is held and the company consortia are determined, at the competent centers in the governorates, and the buses are not required to come to Cairo, noting that their fitness and technical safety for operation in the upcoming Hajj season will be verified.
Read also:
Date of the 2019 Tourist Hajj Lottery... and Each Level's Share of Visas
Find Out the Tourist Hajj Prices for the 1440 AH/2019 Season
Learn About the Hajj Rituals... Their Pillars and How to Perform Them
