Saudi Arabia: Parsons Brinckerhoff Selected as Program Management Office Consultant for the Makkah Public Transport Program

Parsons Brinckerhoff has been awarded the role of program management office consultant by the Development Commission of Makkah and Mashaaer (DCOMM) on the prestigious Makkah Public Transport Program (MPTP).

The Parsons Brinckerhoff contract has an expected duration of 60 months and a fee of $93.6 million. DCOMM has entrusted Makkah Mass Rail Transit Company (MMRTC) to act as the Program Management Office, to oversee the implementation of MPTP. This project holds great importance beyond the extensive technical requirements, with strong cultural connotations given its prominent location in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

The public transport program in Makkah is a plan for an integrated system which covers all means of public transport (metro lines, express bus lines, local buses, and shuttle buses). The project in Makkah includes a network of trains consisting of four metro lines, with total lengths of 114 km and 62 stations. In addition, the project includes a network of bus transport that covers the city of Makkah in four different levels, including bus rapid transit (BRT), local bus, feeder bus service, and shuttle bus that connect the parks (Park and Ride) and Al-Masjid Al-Haram, train stations, and express buses.

Parsons Brinckerhoff is responsible for complete program management services, including general program management; supervision of consultants and contractors; development of project controls; procurement management; contract administration; management of third parties; and technical management. In addition, Parsons Brinckerhoff will conduct quality management; health, safety, and environment management; and systems requirements management. Parsons Brinckerhoff will also provide administrative support to MMRTC.

George J. Pierson, president and CEO of Parsons Brinckerhoff said, “The Makkah Public Transport Program provides a significant opportunity for Parsons Brinckerhoff to build a partnership with Makkah Mass Rail Transit Company to fundamentally change the travelling experience of millions of national and international visitors, as well as for the local population. Once completed, this program of work will leave a legacy for generations to come.”