Optimizing Mass Transit Solutions to Reduce Congestion in Saudi Cities
The mass transit network was fragmented, inefficient, and underutilized. Bus services lacked route optimization and suffered from irregular frequencies and low punctuality. Poor coordination between different transport modes limited seamless journeys, while key areas remained underserved, especially during peak hours. The absence of digital ticketing systems, real-time tracking, and journey planning tools negatively impacted user satisfaction. Additionally, citywide car dependency led to high emissions and road congestion, undermining sustainable mobility goals.
We delivered a comprehensive urban mass transit optimization plan focused on improving service frequency, route efficiency, and last-mile coverage. The solution introduced a multimodal integration strategy incorporating feeder buses, bus rapid transit (BRT) lines, and micro-mobility partnerships. Digital ticketing, passenger information systems, and GPS-based fleet tracking were embedded to increase operational transparency. A data-driven restructuring of service schedules and routes was executed to meet peak demand patterns. Real-time dashboards were implemented to monitor ridership and performance KPIs. This mass transit modernization blueprint was aligned with environmental goals and scalable across other urban regions.
- Conducted citywide transport diagnostics including heatmaps of underserved areas
- Analyzed transit demand and peak-hour congestion through mobile GPS datasets
- Designed integrated BRT and feeder network for city core and outskirts
- Proposed a phased digital ticketing and journey planner app rollout
- Developed KPIs for average wait times, route coverage, and user satisfaction
- Introduced real-time fleet tracking system linked with central operations
- Delivered staff training modules for performance management and system maintenance
- Expand feeder network to industrial and low-income residential zones
- Introduce smart card and mobile payment systems integrated across all modes
- Promote BRT expansion with dedicated lanes to reduce delays
- Partner with private micromobility providers for last-mile e-scooter coverage
- Monitor ridership data weekly and dynamically reallocate buses as needed
- Conduct awareness campaigns on mass transit benefits and safety standards
The restructured system reduced average passenger wait times by 42%, increasing mass transit ridership by 29% in the first 9 months. Digital ticketing reduced cash handling costs by SAR 3.7 million annually. The newly integrated BRT-feeder network improved peak-hour transit coverage by 33%, while on-time performance rose from 61% to 90%. Real-time fleet monitoring decreased operational downtime by 21%, with passenger satisfaction scores climbing by 39 points.