Jeddah is planning to build a $5.6 billion light rail system to alleviate traffic in the crowded city, wire services reported Tuesday (October 5th).

The elevated rail system is part of a larger transport package to bring buses and tramways to Jeddah's four million residents, said Prince Khaled al-Faisal, the governor of Mecca province. The trams will cross the city's 12 major streets and link Jeddah's residential areas.

The new light rail project will complement a high-speed railway that will link Mecca, Jeddah and Medina, the prince said.

Officials did not announce a projected completion date for the project.