Mass transit has become a dire necessity. Governments worldwide are searching for a speedy transport system that can accommodate many people at once, and SAPTCO is just something like that.
What is SAPTCO?
SAPTCO is short for Saudi Arabia Transport Company and is unique. Most users rate it as a comfortable, premium bus service that rarely disappoints. And what’s better? You can now do multiple things online from the comfort of your home without visiting any office around town!
How to book a SAPTCO ticket online?
The online ticket booking service that SAPTCO has recently launched takes transportation to another level. Not only can you do everything from the comfort of your home, but the whole process is straightforward and takes no longer than a few minutes. We have summarized the steps here:
- Visit the SAPTCO website. You can choose a language you like for better access.
- Fill in the ticket reservation info box. This is the primary step; you should provide as accurate details as possible.
- Once you have put in the information, click on the Search button.
- Select a departure time that suits you best. Click Continue to reach the next page.
- Enter all the valid details for the passenger, whether it is a registered or new user, the mobile number, and email for confirmation. Once you are done, select the Continue option and confirm your ticket.
- Process your payment. When booking this bus ticket online, you must pay a digital fee on the spot. SAPTCO accepts payments through MasterCard, Visa card, and, of course, the SADAD Online Payments.
And that’s about it. Your ticket is ready to go, and all ticket confirmations are emailed to you so you have a digital record, no matter where you may be.
What is a SAPTCO Smartcard?
A SAPTCO smartcard is like an innovation for digital payments. As per the most recent developments, the users of the SAPTCO bus service do not have to pay in cash; instead, they have to use their smart cards topped up with credit. Especially if you are considering intra-city travel, the SAPTCO smartcards are more of a necessity than a choice.
How to get your SAPTCO Smartcard?
You can request your bus driver to sell you a SAPTCO smartcard right on the bus. However, if you have time for a detour, you can walk to the nearest SAPTCO vending machine that will issue you a smart card.
What kind of SAPTCO Smartcards are available?
You can decide on the type of smartcard depending on your travel needs. The SAPTCO smartcards are divided into multiple categories, as given below:
- A smart card priced at S.R. 10 will have a credit of S.R. 5 on it.
- A SAPTCO card worth S.R. 25 will provide you with a balance of S.R. 25 for travel.
- A smart card priced at S.R. 50 will give you a credit of S.R. 55.
- A SAPTCO smartcard priced at SR 100 will allow you a balance of SR 120.
How to recharge a SAPTCO smartcard?
The SAPTCO smartcards are rechargeable and can be topped up with credit. You can ask your bus driver to recharge your card or head to the nearest SAPTCO bus vending machine.
SAPTCO Bus service addresses many pressing concerns that people have. It is a relatively vast service that does a great deal to facilitate its users. From inter-city to intra-city travel, complete with the holy sites, SAPTCO does cover almost everything. As we move on further into this article, we talk about some of the most important F.A.Q.s about the SAPTCO bus service. There is A LOT more where that came from!
Is there a mobile app for SAPTCO?
The SAPTCO mobile application is available on the PlayStore for easy download and access. Once you have downloaded the application, you have to make a new account or log in to your SAPTCO account if you already have one.
You can book rides on the SAPTCO application, take care of your payments, and recharge your smart card on the go. As with most applications, The SAPTCO bus service has a brilliant app that allows people ease of use from anywhere in the Kingdom.
Does SAPTCO operate on international routes?
The answer is yes. Not only on a grand scale, but the SAPTCO bus service does more than cover the routes within the country. It also transports to and from the neighboring countries of the Kingdom. This list includes the GCC countries, namely the U.A.E. and Bahrain, and more widespread routes like Egypt, Sudan, and Yemen to a limited degree.
If you are looking to travel outside the Kingdom for more economical rates and can stomach the long travel times, SAPTCO may be the thing for you.
Does SAPTCO have special offers for certain people?
SAPTCO bus service is all for inclusive policies. They will do anything possible to make you feel welcome and supported. Hence, the SAPTCO service allows a discount of 50% to people with special needs and disabilities. That is, their return trip is free of charge.
SAPTCO also prides itself in swift and effortless services to people with special needs and treats them on a high-priority basis.
The bus service also provides students with a 50% discount no matter where they may be traveling. SAPTCO also comes up with promotions to make travel more affordable for students and relevant university personnel.
What documents to carry for the travel?
SAPTCO buses are safe for many, and the officials are trying to keep it that way. For your safety and others on board, SAPTCO requires you to show certain documents before your journey begins. These include one of the following:
- Original National ID card
- Residence certificate
- Passport
What is the allowed weight for internal trips?
SAPTCO has a strict policy regarding luggage weights within acceptable limits, and we have given them below in a simplified version.
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For intercity travel, 75 kg of luggage per adult ticket & 35 kg of luggage for a child’s ticket. One riyal will be charged for each kg of weight that goes over the limit.
For cross-border travel to the GCC countries, 50 kg of luggage per adult ticket & 25 kg of luggage for a child’s ticket. Two riyals are charged for each extra kg of weight.
Remember that a child’s ticket is only valid for ages 2 through 12 years.
What is the allowed weight for international trips?
For international trips, to say, Yemen or Egypt, the allowed weight is slightly higher. You can carry up to 100 kg for adult tickets and 50 kg for children tickets.
A fee of three riyals is charged per kilogram for any extra weight over this limit.
What is the SAPTCO policy for damaged luggage or lost items?
Any luggage seen to b