Upcoming Developments and Modernizations in Saudi Arabia's Public Bus System
Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in its public transportation sector, with a focus on sustainability and technological advancements. The country's bus network is undergoing a major upgrade, aligning with its objective to decrease carbon emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability.
The bus network upgrade includes the integration of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), which forms part of a smart mobility strategy prioritizing connection, dependability, and user convenience. This strategy is paving the way for a more integrated, sustainable, and technologically advanced transport system.
One of the key components of this upgrade is the deployment of electric bus fleets in multiple cities such as Tabuk, Jeddah, Madinah, and Dammam. These buses, equipped with advanced heat-resistant batteries, high capacity (up to 300 km range), and modern amenities like air conditioning and screens, are covering extensive routes. SAPTCO, the Saudi Public Transport Company, introduced its first electric bus fleet in Tabuk in April 2025, operating 30 buses (25% electric) across five routes totaling 136 km with trained local drivers.
In addition to battery electric technology, Saudi Arabia is also exploring hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Hyundai Motor Group completed successful trials of its Universe fuel cell-powered bus in Neom’s mountainous Trojena region, overcoming high altitudes and steep gradients. This demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s focus on next-generation zero-emission mobility, supported by the installation of hydrogen refueling infrastructure by Enowa, a Neom energy subsidiary.
Saudi Arabia is also actively advancing autonomous vehicle deployments, particularly in the robotaxi sector. Efforts aim to integrate autonomous electric vehicles for cleaner, 24/7 urban mobility, contributing to net-zero emission goals. The country is part of a broader regional and global push to develop and implement driverless shuttle services equipped with advanced sensors like LiDAR and 360-degree obstacle detection, improving last-mile connectivity and urban transport efficiency.
The integration of ITS in Saudi Arabia's bus network includes dynamic route planning and predictive maintenance. Real-time information is provided to passengers, enabling informed travel decisions. Saudi Arabia's investment in future mobility technologies positions the country as a leader in regional technological advancements.
The use of electric buses in Saudi Arabia's bus network aligns with global environmental goals. By reducing dependency on traditional fossil fuels, the country is setting an example for other countries in embracing clean energy solutions in its public transport sector. Saudi Arabia's dedication to the future of mobility is evident in its efforts to upgrade its bus network and prioritize technological advancements.
References:
- SAPTCO Introduces First Electric Bus Fleet in Tabuk
- Hyundai Motor Group Completes Successful Trials of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus in Saudi Arabia
- Enowa Installs Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure in Neom
- Ankai Ships Substantial Number of Electric Buses to Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia Advancing Autonomous Electric Vehicle and Robotaxi Development
- The integration of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in Saudi Arabia's bus network not only promotes a more connected and dependable transport system, but also supports the country's environmental science objectives by offering real-time information to passengers for informed travel decisions.
- In addition to electric buses, Saudi Arabia is also exploring hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as a promising zero-emission mobility solution, such as the University fuel cell-powered bus trials by Hyundai Motor Group in Neom's mountainous region.
- Aligning with its objectives to decrease carbon emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating leadership in finance by investing in future mobility technologies like electric buses, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and autonomous vehicles, positioning itself as a driving force for technological advancements in the industry.
