RIYADH, Jan 30, 2010 (AFP) - French transport group RATP has linked up with Saudi bus operator Saptco to participate in Saudi Arabia's ambitious public transport development plans, Saptco said on Saturday.
RATP Dev, the international arm of Regie Autonome des Transports Parisiens, has inked a "strategic cooperation agreement" with the Saudi government-owned bus company aimed at developing bus, tram, train and metro projects in the kingdom, Saptco said in a statement to the Saudi stock exchange.
Saudi Arabia is largely dependent on private cars and company-owned bus transport.
Its government has mapped out ambitious plans for tens of billions of dollars worth of high-speed trains, light rail, bus and tram networks over the next decade.
RATP operates the Paris Metro, the city's public bus system and RER regional express trains, and develops and operates regional and urban transport networks around France and internationally.
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Copyright AFP 2010.
