Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and acting president of the General Authority for Transport, said during his participation in the 2025 Budget Forum that the public transport sector is the lifeline of development in the Kingdom and one of the key pillars for achieving Saudi Vision 2030.

He explained that the sector's transformation has come with strong backing from the Kingdom's leadership, contributing to a modern, sustainable transport system that improves quality of life, enhances road safety, and reduces congestion.

A Major Shift in Public Transport

Dr. Al-Rumaih noted that the decision to halt unregulated "neighborhood route" transport services marked a pivotal turning point toward establishing modern transport networks built around advanced buses offering highly efficient services. He said these networks have contributed to:

  • Cutting traffic accidents by up to 80%.
  • Making cities more livable by providing safer, more comfortable urban environments.
  • Delivering strong economic returns, with the public transport sector generating a return of up to five times its cost.

Public Transport by the Numbers

Al-Rumaih said the Kingdom's public transport sector has achieved notable growth, with transport networks currently serving 14 cities, and plans to expand coverage to 25 cities in the coming years. He added that the liberalization of the intercity bus market, involving three national and international alliances, has extended coverage to more than 200 cities and governorates, giving passengers more options while improving competitiveness and quality.

Al-Rumaih also said public transport projects contribute SR8 billion annually to GDP, reinforcing the sector's role as a key pillar of the national economy.

Environmental Impact and Sustainable Development

He highlighted the positive environmental impact of public transport projects, which help cut carbon emissions by reducing reliance on private vehicles. He said these efforts align with the Kingdom's goals for sustainable development under Vision 2030.

Improving the User Experience

Al-Rumaih noted that passenger numbers doubled over the past year thanks to continuous service improvements and innovation, adding that the ministry and the General Authority for Transport remain committed to further advancing the sector to meet the aspirations of the Kingdom and its future generations.

Ambitious Future Projects

In closing, he stressed the importance of continuing to invest in and expand public transport projects to achieve greater developmental balance across the Kingdom's regions and deliver innovative, sustainable transport solutions that meet the aspirations of citizens and residents.