This document must be read in conjunction with Guideline 01: The Main Document, which addresses all definitions and standards used in the set of evidence and guiding documents.

The purpose of this document is to define the general requirements necessary for the reporting and documentation process related to the safe and effective performance level of all railway services within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in a manner that meets the objectives of the Transport General Authority in standardizing the overall approach to performance measurement for railway systems within the Kingdom, particularly concerning the application and adoption of international standards and metrics.

The scope of this guide applies to all railway systems and other guided transport systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that have such systems or wish to obtain an operating license for railway activities and its safety certificate.

- Effective performance and safety in railway activities are vital and of utmost importance due to the benefits they provide to all stakeholders. Therefore, the required levels must be maintained with a high degree of investment in equipment, personnel, and systems to achieve the highest possible performance levels while ensuring the continued safety of employees and customers.

- Therefore, it is a requirement when issuing a license for operating railway activities and services (Condition G.) that "the applicant for the license must meet all reasonable requirements for service users... regarding... the performance of railway services." Refer to Guide 03: License Delivery and Implementation Plan and the need to include performance management in the License Delivery and Implementation Plan.

- It is important to consider economic requirements and service delivery requirements while making every reasonable effort to achieve the best possible results, and there should be no neglect or leniency regarding safety rules and regulations. The company's or entity's objectives and performance delivery plans can be more easily achieved within the framework of adopting and promoting safety rules.

The performance management includes four main activities:

• - Identifying what needs to be measured.

• - Setting objectives.

• - Monitoring results, recording them, and reporting on them.

• - Analyzing results and identifying areas for improvement.

- The railway service provider specifies a set of outputs that can be achieved by the client/funder. This must be measured so that the railways can achieve their defined objectives.

The outputs are divided into four general groups, which are:

• - Railway service, which includes, for example:

  • - Reliability in passenger train services and adherence to schedules.

  • - Providing facilities and services for passengers.

  • - Performance of freight train services – loads in tons.

  • And the reliability and security and safety of the cargo, etc.

  • - Operational safety.

  • - Asset management.

  • - Financial performance.