The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) recently released a report indicating a significant increase in the number of passengers using public transport buses and trains in Saudi Arabia during the year 2023. The report revealed that the rate of public transport bus passengers increased by 176 percent compared to the previous year, with over 117.6 million bus passengers recorded within and between cities. Within cities, there was a 195 percent increase in bus passengers, totaling over 113.5 million in 2023. Intercity bus passengers also increased, reaching around 4.1 million during the same period.
In addition to the increase in public transport passengers, the report also highlighted a growth in the total length of the Kingdom’s road network, which reached 316,900 kilometers in 2023, up by 2.2 percent from the previous year. This includes 194,400 kilometers of roads within cities and 74,200 kilometers of intercity roads. The report also provided insights into traffic movement between cities, with 390.4 million vehicles annually and a monthly average of 33.2 million vehicles. The number of vehicles arriving and departing through land ports also saw a significant increase from the previous year.
The data from the report showed a 2.5 percent decrease in severe traffic accidents in 2023 compared to 2022. Fatalities resulting from traffic accidents dropped by 2.9 percent, while injuries declined by 1.8 percent. The report also highlighted that the highest percentage of traffic accident fatalities occurred among the 18-30 age group at 35 percent, followed by the 31-40 age group at 22 percent. These statistics provide valuable insights into road safety trends in the country.
Another significant finding from the report was the increase in railway passengers in 2023, reaching 30.3 million, marking a 33 percent increase compared to the previous year. The data indicated that 72.5 percent of intracity passengers traveled over one million kilometers, while intercity passengers represented 27.5 percent, completing 31,700 trips covering a combined distance of 10.4 million kilometers in 2023. Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) recorded 5,200 freight train trips covering a distance of 4.03 million kilometers, showcasing the growth in railway freight transport.
The report also provided details on SAR’s two major freight routes – North and East – which collectively transported over 14.3 million tons of freight, representing a 5.6 percent increase compared to the previous year. The North line accounted for the majority of the cargo at 94.3 percent, equivalent to 13.5 million tons, while the East route focused primarily on container shipments, carrying over 699,000 TEUs. The bulletin also highlighted the infrastructure supporting railway transport, including passenger and freight stations, locomotives, and coach cars, showcasing the growth and development of the railway network in the country.
Overall, the GASTAT report provides valuable insights into the transportation trends in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the significant increase in public transport passengers, growth in the road network, improvements in road safety, and the expansion of railway services. These statistics are essential for policymakers, transport authorities, and stakeholders to make informed decisions and plan for the future development of the transportation sector in the Kingdom. The data also reflects the efforts and investments made to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of transportation infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
