Saudi Arabia is one of the largest countries in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region, comprising some regionally important cities like Riyadh the Saudi capital, Jeddah the economic gateway & commercial outlet on the Red Sea coast, Makkah & Madina where the two holy mosques are located and visited by pilgrims coming from all over the world and Dammam Metropolitan Area, the major source of petroleum & transformative industries and economic outlet on the Arabian Gulf coast. However, Saudi Arabia is suffering from lack of public transport in its urban areas. Although there are very limited bus services running in some cities, they do not constitute resilient public transport systems or networks.

In 2015, the total losses due to road accidents in Saudi Arabia exceeded 5.3 billion dollars with more than 7,000 deaths (the figure represents deaths on site only and does not include those who die in the hospitals later on). Besides, the car ownership rate in Saudi Arabia is excessively high. For instance, the ownership rate in Riyadh is 1.7 cars per individual which is notably high compared to other countries. Additionally, the share of the transportation sector from the total energy consumed in the country is 23%. So, if consumption keeps growing by the current accelerating rate, Saudi Arabia will consume half of the energy it produces 10 years from now.

Riyadh is the biggest Saudi city in terms of geographical area and population density. Its annual demographic growth rate is 4.5%, one of the highly growing metropolitans in the world. At the moment it is inhabited by nearly 6 million inhabitants generating 7.4 million daily trips. Out of this huge traffic volume, public transport acquires 2% only for its market share.

In 2012, the public transport project for Riyadh was approved (King Abdulaziz public transport project) and mid 2013 marked the official kickoff of implementation. The project consists of two components, Riyadh Metro and Riyadh Bus networks. Riyadh Metro comprises 6 metro lines with a total length of 176 kilometers, 85 stations and 190 trains. The number of trains can be increased to 338 in response to the increase in demand. Upon inauguration, the project will start with a daily capacity of 1.16 million passengers then increases to a maximum of 3.6 million passengers 10 years afterwards. Driverless trains will be used to run this project which is the biggest public transport project to be constructed all at one time. 30% of the project has already been completed.

Riyadh Bus on the other hand will be operate a total of 1,000 buses of different types and capacities. The network comprises 24 lines with a total length of 1,150 kilometers and 6,730 bus stops/stations. The bus network will be integrated with the metro network to create a comprehensive integrated public transport system which will make a drastic change in the life style of the capital city.

The public transport project for Jeddah has also been approved and the planning & network design stage completed, so the tendering process might start soon. The project consists of 3 metro lines and one tramway with a total length of 146 kilometers and 84 stations. A number of 816 buses will be used to operate Jeddah?s bus network with a total length of 750 kilometers and 2,950 bus stops/stations.

The public transport project for holy Makkah has also been approved and coordination with the Holy Mosque?s expansion projects will be made prior to the kickoff of the public transport project implementation. The project comprises 4 metro lines with a total length of 133 kilometers and 66 stations while 500 peak buses will be used to operate 12 lines bus network with a total length of 300 kilometers.

In Madinah, the design of a public transport plan was approved including 3 metro lines with a total length of 95 kilometers and 70 stations. The project includes also 11 bus lines with a total length of 215 kilometers.

In Dammam Metropolitan Area the design of the public transport plan was also approved including 2 LRT lines with a total length of 86 kilometers and 54 stations. Besides, more than 350 buses will be used to operate the bus network with a total length of 394 kilometers.

All these projects will constitute a quantum leap for Saudi Arabia and will impact positively by reducing fuel consumption, environmental hazards and traffic accidents in the country.

Courtesy: Abdulaziz Alsalem Ministry of Transport – Saudi Arabia