TEHRAN - As preparations unfold for the spring holidays and Ramadan coinciding with Nowruz, bus terminals are set to offer enhanced services to facilitate passenger flow during the festivities, considering 18 million travelers’ arrivals to Mashhad province during the past solar year.

Mashhad’s supervisor of passenger terminals announced that 18 million travelers passed through terminals in the 1401 solar year.

 Seyyed-Mahdi Emami-Meybodi, during a press conference on the organization's initiatives for the arrival of spring, stated, "The convergence of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan with the celebration of Nowruz creates special conditions that require necessary preparations."

The official highlighted the role of the passenger terminals in welcoming travelers to Mashhad, emphasizing the organization's duty to create the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and travelers.

"As in previous years, we have plans for the festivities welcoming spring from the 25th of Esfand (the last month of the Persian calendar) to the 15th of Farvardin (the first month of the Persian calendar). However, due to the overlap of Ramadan and Nowruz this year, our programs will commence from the 15th of Esfand, ensuring full readiness to serve pilgrims and travelers," Emami-Meybodi stated.

The supervisor detailed the services provided by the organization, focusing on three main areas: internal organizational services, inter-organizational collaboration, and cooperation with external organizations.

He further stated, "In the past year, during the two-week Nowruz holidays, we had approximately 850,000 passenger traffic, with over 2,000 daily reported in Mashhad's passenger terminals, 80% of which were related to intercity bus transportation."

Regarding the upcoming spring festivities, Emami-Meybodi mentioned collaborative efforts with the municipality of Mashhad, including thematic decorations, flower arrangements, and setting up the "Haft-Seen" within the passenger terminals.

He also highlighted joint programs with Mashhad's traffic organization to inform travelers about traffic restrictions via SMS, especially when it comes to crowded places.

Discussing accommodations for pilgrims and travelers, the official revealed the provision of temporary accommodation for over 800 individuals has been arranged.

Emphasizing the importance of passenger feedback, Emami-Meybodi stated that last year's survey indicated an 80% satisfaction rate with services, with a focus on ticket procurement and bus departure delays. Efforts have been made to minimize these issues through improved communication and preparations.

The official highlighted the responsibility of ensuring fuel supplies for public transportation, stating that approximately 80,000 liters of diesel are distributed daily, with a capacity of up to 150,000 liters during peak fuel distribution periods.

He also outlined plans for the upcoming [Nowruz] holiday, aiming to minimize difficulties faced by stranded individuals, in collaboration with the terminal’s organization, Astan Quds, and Mashhad Municipality.

The official stressed the importance of passengers purchasing return tickets through authorized websites and systems before traveling, rather than directly at the terminal, offering recommendations for a smoother travel experience.

Mashhad, the provincial capital, is Iran’s holiest and second-largest city. Its raison d’être and main sight is the striking massive shrine complex of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam.