Saudi Transport and Mobility Consulting
Saudi Mobility Benchmarking

Benchmarking Mobility Performance Across Saudi Cities to Guide Policy Decisions

Saudi Mobility Benchmarking
Issues
There was no standardized framework to assess mobility performance across cities. Data collection was inconsistent, and cities lacked insight into how their transport systems compared to peers domestically or internationally. Without comparative benchmarks, cities struggled to prioritize interventions, secure funding, or measure progress against national mobility goals. Decision-making was fragmented and largely anecdotal.
Solution

We developed a Saudi Mobility Index, a benchmarking tool composed of 40 indicators covering accessibility, sustainability, innovation, efficiency, and user experience. The index used a mix of quantitative metrics (e.g., transit coverage, average speeds, emissions) and qualitative inputs (e.g., user satisfaction, governance quality). Data collection templates and validation protocols were built to ensure consistency. A national dashboard was developed for visualizing city rankings and trends.

Approach
  • Conducted stakeholder interviews across 14 Saudi cities
  • Reviewed 10 international benchmarking models from Europe and Asia
  • Built a localized indicator framework aligned with Vision 2030
  • Designed a digital data collection platform with city-specific logins
  • Piloted benchmarking in 6 cities and validated the model with field data
  • Conducted workshops to train municipal teams on using and interpreting the index
  • Developed guidance manuals on policy reform based on index outcomes
Recommendations:
  • Mandate annual mobility performance reporting using the index indicators
  • Use rankings to prioritize funding, policy reform, and capacity building
  • Publish city profiles to increase transparency and drive competition
  • Create peer-learning groups among cities to exchange solutions
  • Integrate the index into national grant and planning eligibility criteria
  • Use index results to inform future revisions of national mobility policy
Engagement ROI

Benchmarking led to the reallocation of SAR 220 million in infrastructure funding toward underperforming cities. Municipalities reported a 46% improvement in internal mobility KPIs within a year of using the index. Over 85% of participating cities developed action plans based on their rankings. The national dashboard recorded 400,000 views, and the think tank became a go-to source for media and policy insights into urban mobility.