Medina’s Mobility Evolution: Sustainable Transport and Vision 2030

Medina, one of the holiest cities in Islam and a cultural gem of Saudi Arabia, is undergoing a transformation unlike any in its history. As Saudi Arabia drives forward with Vision 2030, the nation’s bold roadmap for economic diversification and sustainable development, Medina is embracing a future of smart, sustainable, and efficient mobility.

Dr. Mohammad Alghamdi, Deputy Mayor for Strategy and Transformation at Medina Municipality, recently shared how the city is aligning with Vision 2030 to create a world-class transport system that enhances the quality of life for residents while catering to millions of visitors each year.

A City of History and Growing Mobility Needs

Medina, home to over 1.5 million permanent residents, welcomes an additional 1.5 million visitors every month—a figure that is expected to triple to 30 million annually by 2030. This exponential increase in footfall puts immense pressure on the city’s transport infrastructure.

Managing mobility in Medina is particularly complex given the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest gatherings of people in the world. During the 10-day Hajj period, the city must accommodate up to four million additional pilgrims, making transport logistics a formidable challenge.

To meet these demands, Medina has launched an Urban Mobility Strategy that integrates sustainable public transport, pedestrian-friendly initiatives, and cutting-edge technology to create a seamless experience for residents and visitors alike.

The Role of Vision 2030 in Medina’s Transport Revolution

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a sweeping initiative aimed at reducing the country’s dependency on oil, diversifying the economy, and enhancing public services. A major pillar of this vision is the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which focuses on sustainability, efficiency, and connectivity.

Medina’s response is a holistic mobility transformation that:

• Reduces carbon emissions by modernising public transport
• Expands public transport options like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and micro-mobility solutions
• Encourages walking and cycling with dedicated lanes and infrastructure
• Integrates technology for real-time traffic monitoring and smart transport systems

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): A Game Changer for Medina

One of the most ambitious projects under Medina’s mobility transformation is the development of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

• Dedicated BRT lanes will ensure faster, more reliable services
• The route design prioritises key historical sites and residential areas
• Eco-friendly buses will reduce the city’s carbon footprint

The goal is to make public transport the preferred choice over private vehicles, creating a cleaner, more efficient urban environment.

Medina is working hard to secure private sector investments to fund the infrastructure and operations of the BRT system, with a target launch date before 2030.

Managing Transport During Hajj: A Yearly Olympics-Sized Challenge

While many cities prepare for one-time mega-events like the Olympics or World Cup, Medina hosts millions of visitors every year for Hajj. Transporting four million pilgrims in just 10 days is no easy feat.

Historically, Medina has relied on fossil-fuel-powered buses, creating severe congestion and pollution. Now, the city is taking action:

• Expanding public transport capacity during Hajj
• Phasing out conventional diesel buses in favour of electric and hybrid alternatives
• Developing pedestrian-friendly streets to encourage walking between key locations

By shifting to greener transport options, Medina is ensuring that future pilgrimages will be safer, cleaner, and more efficient.

Smart Medina: Technology-Driven Mobility

Medina is also embracing smart city technology to optimise transport systems. The Smart Medina Initiative integrates IoT devices, AI-driven traffic management, and real-time monitoring systems to improve traffic flow and public transport efficiency.

• AVL and RFID tracking on buses to monitor speed, routes, and driver behaviour
• Real-time route adjustments to prevent congestion
• Super-app integration for taxis, allowing seamless ride-booking and tracking

These initiatives ensure that every bus, taxi, and transport service in Medina is connected and optimised, providing residents and visitors with a world-class travel experience.

Modernising Taxi Services: Towards a Super App

Taxis remain a crucial mode of transport in Middle Eastern cities, and Medina is no exception. Traditionally, taxis were operated by individual owners, leading to inconsistent service quality. Now, Medina is modernising its taxi industry by:

• Developing a ‘Taxi Super App’ to unify all service providers
• Introducing electric taxis to support sustainability goals
• Tracking and regulating taxi services for reliability and safety

By integrating taxis into its smart transport ecosystem, Medina is enhancing efficiency and user experience while contributing to its sustainability targets.

The High-Speed Rail: Connecting Medina to the Nation

One of the most significant transportation breakthroughs in Saudi Arabia is the high-speed rail connecting Medina with Mecca, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City.

• 450 km in under two hours
• 95 percent occupancy rate year-round
• Energy-efficient and eco-friendly

With Saudi Arabia preparing to host the FIFA World Cup, further rail expansions will be crucial in improving nationwide connectivity. Medina’s transport strategy ensures it remains a key hub in this evolving network.

The Future of Mobility in Medina

Looking ahead, Medina’s leaders have a clear vision:

• A public transport-first city with efficient BRT, rail, and shared mobility solutions
• A pedestrian-friendly environment where walking and cycling are encouraged
• A zero-emissions transport network powered by clean energy

By 2030, Medina will be a shining example of how ancient cities can embrace modern mobility, offering a seamless, sustainable, and smart transport system that serves both its residents and millions of visitors.