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RIYADH: Riyadh and Jeddah are among the world’s most improved cities in terms of urban mobility readiness, according to the latest edition of an annual study of 60 cities.

Riyadh moved up five places, from 54 in 2021 to 49 in 2022, and Jeddah rose from 58 to 51, in the ranking compiled by the Oliver Wyman Forum and the University of California, Berkeley Institute of Transportation Studies.

The report concludes that today’s major investments in mass transport and innovation mean that cities are likely to continue to improve their positions.

André Martins, partner India, Middle East and Africa head of transport services and operations at the Oliver Wyman Forum, said: “Due to the subsequent growth in both population and tourist numbers, mobility solutions and urban transport infrastructure are a key part of Vision 2030.

“Mobility is a complex and fast-moving field – and in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, the solutions must be multiple: from the smart use of micro-mobility solutions to the accelerated deployment of public transport systems.”

He added: “Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s giga projects have a unique level of flexibility from an infrastructure and design perspective, meaning they can act as both entry points for innovation into the Kingdom, as well as global pioneers in urban mobility solutions. “

The index highlights that Riyadh’s nearly complete mass transit system, which will combine a six-line bus network with an automated metro, will play a key role in the city’s mobility future.

The findings showed that the city’s current car-centric approach is being mitigated by good road infrastructure, strong use of carpooling and the government’s new investments in connected autonomous vehicle technologies.

Saudi Arabia has also recently announced its first EV manufacturing facility – which will help achieve its stated goal of 30 percent of all cars in Riyadh being electric by 2030.

Meanwhile, Jeddah’s strengths include its high-quality road infrastructure and strong regional connections. Another strength comes from the coastal city’s proximity to Mecca and Medina, while the international airport’s connection to the Holy Cities by high-speed rail makes it an important and interconnected global hub.

The city also plans to develop a comprehensive public transport system, including a metro to open in 2030.

The report noted that a preference for cars across the Middle East contributes to the region’s low utilization of non-motorized transit, but a generally high penetration of shared mobility services, such as car sharing, helps lower congestion levels.

The index ranks 57 quantitative and qualitative key indicators that measure social impact, infrastructure, market attractiveness, system efficiency and innovation.

Other measures in the overall index include investments and incentives for electric vehicle charging stations, the number of car-free zones, the adoption of autonomous vehicles, as well as traffic and affordability in public transport.