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The Transport General Authority rolled out comprehensive regulations governing railway operations, infrastructure, and passenger services. These regulations cover everything from safety protocols and ownership approvals to licensing requirements and maintenance standards.
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Ownership + infrastructure approvals: All public railway infrastructure projects now require sign-off from infrastructure owners, who will set the technical and safety benchmarks. Meanwhile, ownership transfers, asset guarantees, and concessions must receive formal approval from the authority. Contract terminations demand prior notification and a formal explanation.
Licensing + compliance: Operators must hold valid licenses and safety certificates, with all applications and renewals processed under the new regulations. Suspending operations now require approval from the authority. Non-compliance, unauthorized ownership changes, or lapses in safety could lead to license suspension or cancellation.
Operations + passenger rights: The authority oversees service operations, route allocations, and usage fees to ensure fairness. Operators must offer accessible, high-quality services, assist passengers with luggage, and compensate for service disruptions. Passengers are responsible for holding valid tickets and following safety rules, with complaints managed directly by the Authority to uphold service standards.
Maintenance + violations + penalties: Operators must adhere to safety and maintenance standards, whether in-house or outsourced. Penalties apply for violations such as unauthorized construction or negligence, unless exempted by force majeure. A full breakdown of the penalties is available here (pdf).
