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

The purpose of this guide or document is to define the general requirements necessary to ensure the safe and effective management of all railway assets within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as to achieve the long-term goals and plans of the Transport General Authority in establishing the regulatory framework for railway safety in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly concerning the tasks that should be performed by the Independent Consultant (ICP).

The term "safety regulation" encompasses the safe operation of railways and all aspects of the development and implementation of new railways, including the concept, detailed design, testing, operation, integration, as well as maintenance, renewal, and future enhancement of railways, in addition to the safety of passengers, workers, employees, and third parties aggrieved by the operations of the railways.

• "Independent Specialized Consultant" means an independent authorized person or entity that possesses the following:

  • Has the skills, knowledge, experience, and sufficient resources to carry out the required design and safety verification.

  • Has the skills, knowledge, and sufficient experience to perform the role for which they have been appointed.

  • Capable of viewing the project objectively and in a realistic, unbiased manner.

  • Must be sufficiently independent and have no prior administrative or evaluative responsibilities related to the project and the systems and processes that will be evaluated and verified, or have anything that may compromise the objectivity and independence of the assigned tasks.

  • Capable of demonstrating relevant experience in similar tasks.

  • Certified by the authority to perform the duties and tasks of the Independent Specialized Consultant ICP.

This evidence applies to all railways and other directed transport systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that own or seek to obtain an operating license for railways and/or a safety certificate. It includes:

As part of their duties, applicants for operating licenses and safety certificates must demonstrate the safety of their railway services to the Public Transport Authority. One of the means by which the Authority seeks to ensure safety is by appointing an independent specialized consultant.

• The framework includes a set of emerging safety requirements based on the following:

  • The scope of regulations (for example, types of operation and uses of railways that fall under the regulatory framework - passenger and freight services, metro services, and other forms of directed transport) including the types of organizations/institutions responsible for the duty/service under the framework.

  • The need to ensure the safe design and construction of railways by verifying safety and validating its accuracy.

  • Requirements and conditions including the provision of a safety management system, risk assessments, and systems to ensure that railways are acceptably safe and compliant with all technical regulations.

  • Licensing and accreditation of railway services.

  • The duties and tasks required from individuals managing critical safety operations, including those providing railway services other than railway operators.

  • Safety performance including the responsibilities and tasks of licensees in setting objectives and providing information to the Transport General Authority.

  • Investigations into incidents.

  • Responsibilities of the Transport General Authority and enforcement policy powers.