Tahmeed Express has responded to videos showing passengers dealing with a bedbug infestation on one of its buses, saying it took immediate action after identifying the problem.
In a service update issued on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the company said the affected bus, KCR 615, was identified as having a bedbug infestation on July 17.
The response follows videos that circulated online showing passengers raising concerns about bedbugs during a Tahmeed journey. The Star reported that passengers had raised the alarm after experiencing what they described as severe bites.
Tahmeed said it moved the passengers to another bus after identifying the infestation.
“We moved all passengers to another bus to ensure your safety and comfort,” the company said in the statement.
The company said it subsequently grounded KCR 615 and removed all its seats as part of the cleaning process.
“We thoroughly sprayed and fumigated the entire bus to eliminate all bedbugs,” Tahmeed said.
The company added that the bus was only returned to service after it had been cleared as pest-free.
“We have cleared KCR 615 for service only after confirming it is 100% pest-free,” the statement said.
Tahmeed announces new measures
Tahmeed said it has introduced additional measures to prevent similar incidents across its fleet.
The company said it had increased fumigation intervals for all its buses.
It has also stopped carrying used bedding on its routes, saying the measure is intended to prevent re-infestation.
“We stopped carrying used bedding on all routes to prevent re-infestation,” the company said.
Tahmeed further announced plans to upgrade seat-cover materials to types it says are less likely to harbour bedbugs.
The company said the measures were introduced after considering feedback from customers.
“We value your feedback. Keep telling us when you see something that needs fixing. Your voice drives our standards,” it said.
The bedbug incident has added to recent public scrutiny of Tahmeed’s services. Online passenger reviews have also included complaints about bedbugs on some journeys.
Tahmeed said it remains committed to providing “clean, safe, and reliable service on every trip.”
