Saudi Arabia's 2025 transport season: record-breaking figures and smart transformations
The transport and logistics system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnessed radical transformations and qualitative leaps during 2025, reflecting the success of the strategic plans stemming from the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. These achievements come as a culmination of the efforts of the Public Transport Authority in strengthening the regulatory and supervisory infrastructure, with the aim of consolidating the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub linking the three continents, and raising the quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors.
A surge in passenger transport figures
Official statistics revealed unprecedented growth in the reliance of residents and visitors on public transportation and smart applications, reflecting users' confidence in the system's efficiency. The authority recorded the following figures:
- Trains: The number of passengers exceeded 155 million, confirming the role of the railway network as a vital artery for transportation between regions and within cities.
- Vehicle routing applications: Approximately 142 million trips were completed, highlighting the increasing reliance on technological solutions in daily commuting.
- Buses: In-city buses carried more than 97 million passengers, in addition to transporting more than 3 million passengers via the intercity bus network.
Leading the way in smart mobility and sustainability
As part of the Kingdom's efforts to adopt future technologies and reduce carbon emissions, the Authority has taken significant steps in the field of smart mobility . The middle of last year witnessed the launch of a pilot program for autonomous vehicles in the capital, Riyadh, which operated on designated routes serving vital areas and was met with widespread approval, paving the way for future expansion in this field.
On the environmental sustainability front, a dedicated electric bus route was launched in Makkah, a step that aligns with the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative and aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the transport sector, especially in densely populated cities and during religious seasons.
Growth of logistics and e-commerce
The development wasn't limited to passenger transport; the logistics sector also witnessed significant leaps, driven by the growth of e-commerce and the attraction of foreign investment. The authority successfully attracted global companies to open regional headquarters in Riyadh, thus strengthening supply chains.
In numerical terms, the sector recorded:
- Over 409 million order deliveries .
- The number of postal parcels exceeded 230 million .
These figures reflect economic resilience and purchasing power, as well as the efficiency of the digital and logistical infrastructure that manages this enormous volume of operations.
Digital regulation and effective oversight
The Public Transport Authority continued its efforts to automate services and regulate the market, issuing more than 6 million unified electronic car rental contracts, over 1.2 million operating cards, and 814,000 driver cards. These regulatory efforts were accompanied by rigorous field monitoring, with more than 4 million inspections conducted to ensure compliance with regulations and improve road safety.
Maritime achievements and international awards
On the maritime front, the Jazan-Farasan ferries have played a vital role in regional development, transporting nearly half a million passengers and 143,000 vehicles. The Kingdom's efforts culminated internationally with its election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), enhancing its influence in global maritime decision-making.
The Authority concluded its eventful year by winning prestigious awards, most notably the King Abdulaziz Quality Award and the Digital Government Award for the "Vehicle Rental" service, in addition to international awards at the "ShipTech" conference, which confirms the Kingdom's commitment to providing transportation services with global standards.
