Assessing the Impact of Saudi Vision 2030 on Urban Mobility Transitions: The Case of Riyadh

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of Saudi Vision 2030 on urban mobility changes in Riyadh, focusing on how the national policies have spurred sustainable transportation reforms in a city traditionally reliant on cars. As the capital and economic center of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has experienced rapid population growth and urban sprawl, resulting in severe traffic congestion, high energy consumption, and limited mobility options. Launched in 2016, Vision 2030 is a national development plan that emphasizes sustainable urban transportation as essential for achieving environmental, economic, and social goals. Using a qualitative approach, the research combines analysis of policy documents with secondary data on infrastructure and performance. It evaluates the progress and initial results of key projects such as the Riyadh Metro, Riyadh Bus Network, and related smart mobility initiatives. The findings demonstrate that these infrastructure efforts have significantly increased public transportation capacity and coverage. Early indications suggest a slight shift away from private cars, with expected reductions in fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions. The study also highlights ongoing challenges such as behavioral resistance, lack of sufficient active transportation infrastructure, spatial inequalities in transit access, and gaps in institutional coordination. Ridesharing services and smart mobility platforms are emerging as helpful additions, but require better integration into the formal transportation network. Overall, the research finds that while Vision 2030 has built a strong foundation for a sustainable mobility shift, long‐term success will rely on multimodal integration, inclusive planning, and increased public participation. Riyadh's experience offers valuable lessons for other cities in the Global South working toward government‐led sustainable urban transformation.

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