Saudi- Public transportation is ordered! What's next? 

(MENAFN - Arab News) Do you remember the column titled "If women can't drive, bring in transportation!" published in this space two weeks ago? Well, a few days after, a royal decree by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah stated Riyadh must have public transportation (buses and trains) to help control an expected traffic dilemma in the future!

The main directions involved are easily spotted! It's both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transportation.

Yet, this new chance can help forge a new history. The Saudi public is highly tuned on this matter. The simplest reason for this is the massive change it could make in the future. For instance, imagine all Saudi men not worried about driving wives to work, kids to schools, hospitals, or even social gatherings. Imagine residents of Riyadh capable of living without drivers and related burdens!

Let's save this date of the Royal Decree! In the month of April 2012, the order was given! So, it's now time to wait and see. Would the buses be roaming the streets of Riyadh, and the trains flashing the face of the city? And when? Should we say, sometime around 2014? Maybe"or maybe not! Especially if we consider that King Abdullah Road is still years behind schedule, and not to mention the continuous problems with the new Dammam-Riyadh train!

Nevertheless, we will stay tuned!

- The writer is chairman, Saudi Cartoon & Animation Society

(abdullahsayel@hotmail.com)