Urban transport planning in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review of challenges and smart mobility pathways

The growing demand for urban mobility in Saudi Arabia presents significant challenges to the sustainability and effectiveness of its transportation systems. This study provides a systematic review of urban transport planning in Saudi cities, focusing on public transport development, smart mobility strategies, and associated implementation barriers. This study adopts the PRISMA methodology to ensure transparency and reproducibility in article selection and synthesis. Additionally, bibliometric techniques were applied to identify thematic research clusters. The findings highlight the dominance of private vehicle use, the underdevelopment of public transport systems, and fragmented governance structures as major challenges. In response, the study proposes a conceptual framework for classifying urban transport barriers and offers necessary insights to align local initiatives with future visions. The review contributes practical insights for policymakers and urban planners working toward integrated, sustainable, and inclusive mobility solutions in Saudi Arabia.