Saudi Arabia is set to tender the first phase of the Makkah bus network project, which would cover 55 per cent of the western city's residential areas, said a report.

There will be a total of 12 lines in this phase, including five express lines and seven local lines, the Arabic daily Al Eqtisadiah quoted a senior Public Transport official as saying.

In the first stage, which is due to be completed within 18 months, there will be 400 to 500 buses, and 600 to 700 bus stops, the report added.