From Zero to Smart – Riad’s Leap Towards Urban Mobility Transformation

| Insights

For a long time, Riyadh was synonymous with urban life without public transport – characterised by private transport and constant growth. With the development of a state-of-the-art intelligent transport system (ITS), the city is making the leap into the future: Dorsch Middle East has played a key role in creating one of the world's most advanced mobility networks, making Riyadh a pioneer for forward-looking urban mobility in the Middle East.

ITS-Riyadh AI-generated image
AI-generated image

Riyadh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Middle East. For decades, car traffic dominated the cityscape. Today, an integrated network of metro lines and buses connects the metropolis – controlled by a state-of-the-art Intelligent Transport System (ITS). This transformation sets new standards for sustainable, future-proof mobility in a region where public transport has played hardly any role to date.

Since 2014, Yasser Henawy has been leading the ITS project as Programme Director at Dorsch Middle East on behalf of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC). His team developed a system based on data-driven decisions, real-time analysis and innovative operating strategies. These approaches optimise routes and timetables, improve the user experience and encourage people to switch from private cars to public transport. The milestones of the past ten years show how Riyadh is transforming itself into a modern mobility metropolis.

Intelligent system components: networking and user orientation

The ITS in Riyadh comprises three central components:

  • The Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system enables convenient, contactless use of the underground and buses. Passengers pay with transport cards, mobile apps or contactless payment cards.
  • The Automatic Vehicle Management (AVM) system uses sensors and cameras to monitor buses in real time. Passengers benefit from live information on arrival times at bus stops.
  • The Operations Control Centre (OCC) acts as a central control element. It collects and analyses operational data, monitors routes, passenger volumes and system status. This allows problems to be identified quickly and processes to be continuously improved.
Portrait of Yasser Henawy, Program Director for ITS at Dorsch Middle East
"Our project aimed to create a cutting-edge network that seamlessly integrates a new metro"
Yasser Henawy

Data analysis as a driver of efficiency and quality

The ITS generates large amounts of data every day: passenger numbers, transactions, vehicle status and journey times. Data analysts evaluate this information to identify boarding and alighting points, busy routes and delays. They use these findings to adjust routes and timetables, reconfigure stops and tailor services to demand.

The aim is to reduce congestion and emissions and improve mobility. At the same time, the system lays the technical foundation for the use of autonomous vehicles. 

Size and expansion of the network

The metro network in Riyadh comprises six lines with a total length of 176 kilometres and 85 stations. The bus network consists of 86 lines covering around 1,900 kilometres and almost 2,900 stations. Demand-responsive transport (DRT) also connects remote areas. This service supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which focuses on growth, new attractions and increasing tourism.

Park & Ride: bridging the gap between private and public transport

Park-and-ride facilities (P+R) make it easier to switch from car to public transport. Nineteen facilities offer space for 400 to 600 vehicles each. Four large P+R facilities are located on Line 3, which crosses the city from east to west over 40 kilometres and 22 stations. The remaining 15 facilities are spread across other lines.

Passengers can park for up to 12 hours free of charge if they use the Darb card for bus or underground travel. A pick-up and drop-off service within 15 minutes complements the offer.

Vision and flexibility in adverse conditions

In Riyadh, many people traditionally prefer to travel by car, especially because of the extreme heat. Riyadh has a pronounced desert climate. There is hardly any rainfall throughout the year, and the average annual temperature is 26.2°C.  , however, maximum daily temperatures regularly rise to 43°C, and at peak times even exceed 47°C. To encourage more passengers to walk to stations and wait for buses and trains even in extreme heat, the team focused on air-conditioned stops and careful planning for maximum comfort.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought additional hurdles: supply chains were disrupted, materials arrived late, and international experts were unable to enter the country. The team responded flexibly and found solutions to overcome these unexpected obstacles.

“
The ultimate reward is the fact that a once theoretical system is now an integral part of daily life in Riyadh. We have transformed it from a city with minimal public transport to a city that maintains a sophisticated, fully integrated metro and bus network.

Yasser Henawy
”

Conclusion: Sustainable mobility for a growing metropolis

The ITS in Riyadh shows how technology, data and interdisciplinary cooperation can enable the transition to sustainable, comfortable mobility. The project has changed not only the infrastructure but also the mobility behaviour of the population – and is setting standards for the future of urban mobility in the Middle East.

Key Figures

  • Metro: 6 lines spanning 176 km, with 85 stations.
  • Bus Network: 86 routes stretching about 1,900 km and nearly 2,900 stops.
  • Core Systems: AFC (Automatic Fare Collection), AVM (Automatic Vehicle Management), and a Operations Control Centre (OCC).
  • On-Demand Services: Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) Planned expansion for areas not directly served by main routes.

Intelligent Transport System (ITS) at a Glance

  • Real-Time Tracking: Vehicles equipped with sensors and cameras for continuous performance monitoring.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Ongoing analysis of passenger numbers, route capacity, and delays to optimize service.
  • Comfort & Safety: Live arrival times, contactless payment options, and climate-controlled stations for more pleasant waiting experiences in high temperatures.

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Topics

Transport & Infrastructure
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