Opinion

Driving the future: How public transportation is transforming Saudi Arabia

November 30, 2024

Prof. Awad Al-Omari

Public transportation is absolutely vital for building cities that are linked, sustainable, and efficient.

It guarantees fair access to vital services such education, employment, and healthcare, therefore reducing carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and related issues.

Studies show that strong public transportation systems can lower greenhouse gas emissions by about 37% and urban traffic congestion by up to 50%.

Public transit offers dependable and fairly cost mobility options, therefore enhancing everyone's quality of living and supporting economic development.

By encouraging the use of public transportation rather than private vehicles, reducing energy consumption, and so minimizing the city environmental impact, it also helps meet environmental goals.

Well-developed transportation systems have changed urban living everywhere.

Cities including Tokyo, London, and Singapore demonstrate how well effective transportation systems can improve daily living, save time, and reduce travel stress.

For instance, London's Underground runs more than 1.2 billion passenger journeys annually, therefore alleviating road congestion and enhancing the air quality.

Tokyo's public transportation system is 99% dependable in the same regard, saving millions of hours annually.

Apart from improving connectivity, these systems reduce traffic congestion and pollution, therefore establishing safer and more pleasant cities.

Technological advancements such real-time tracking, digital payment alternatives, and smart infrastructure —which help to create better and more vibrant communities— have dramatically enhanced the simplicity of utilizing public transportation.

Using sophisticated public transportation systems including rail networks signifies a basic shift toward modern urban mobility in Saudi Arabia.

Fast urbanization in places like Riyadh and Jeddah will let these systems support ecologically friendly living, ease traffic congestion, and reduce reliance on private cars.

Projects like the Riyadh Metro and the Haramain High-Speed Railway are supposed to easily connect cities, therefore facilitating travel and economic integration.

These initiatives serve Saudi Arabia's environmental and economical objectives by offering reasonably priced, eco-friendly substitutes, therefore improving the daily life of people.

They also illustrate the Kingdom's will to apply innovative concepts in order to meet the growing needs of its urban population.

Investments in public transportation infrastructure exhibit a will to create a modern, inclusive society and attract foreign capital and international cooperation. Once these networks are running, they will not only transform mobility but also greatly help Saudi Arabia realize her vision of a vibrant, linked, and internationally competitive country.


November 30, 2024
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