sustainability

Article
Transit-Oriented Development in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh as
a Case Study
Khalid Mohammed Almatar

Department of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin
Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31451, Saudi Arabia; kmalmatar@[Link]

Abstract: Transit-oriented development (TOD) in Saudi Arabia is becoming a significant priority

for the government and developers to create a sustainable and quality living environment. TOD is
an integrated transport and urban planning method that aims to reduce car use and urban sprawl,
increase the use of public transport, and enhance sustainable mobility. To meet the global goals as
per the Paris Accord, Saudi Arabia’s policymakers must prioritize the integration of TOD in urban
planning. This study was carried out with the main aim of identifying the environmental, social, and
economic benefits of implementing TOD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A mixed-study research method
was used, and data were collected using a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews. The
quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, and qualitative data were analyzed using
NVivo software. The findings of this study show that TOD in Riyadh City would positively impact
economic, environmental, and social aspects. TOD would reduce travel time, allow its people to
have an active lifestyle, and reduce congestion. TOD would help reduce mental health disorders and
improve physical activity. TOD would positively impact the environment of Riyadh City and assist
in reducing greenhouse gases. Overall, the study results provide a reliable perspective on the benefits
of TOD. Most participants assumed that the implementation of TOD in Riyadh City would increase
automobile mobility, provide more employment opportunities, and reduce travel time, positively
Citation: Almatar, K.M.
Transit-Oriented Development in
impacting the environment and economy of Riyadh City.
Saudi Arabia: Riyadh as a Case Study.
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16129. Keywords: transit-oriented development; sustainable transportation; TOD; Riyadh; KSA
[Link]
su142316129

Academic Editors: Linchuan Yang,

1. Background
Yuanyuan Guo, Yaoming Zhou,
Wenxiang Li and Jixiang Liu Over the last few decades, the significant increase in private vehicles has led to chronic
traffic congestion and has become a substantial problem due to the impact on economic
Received: 24 September 2022
growth, air quality, and sustainable living [1]. The transportation system is the primary
Accepted: 28 November 2022
source of urbanization and infrastructure development and is essential for a country’s
Published: 2 December 2022
economic growth and viability [2]. The development of a public transportation system
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral is vital for a sustainable environment. Transport is one of the highest energy-demanding
with regard to jurisdictional claims in sectors and a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In 2019, the GCC countries
published maps and institutional affil- contributed to approximately 18% of total carbon emissions [3]. In Saudi Arabia, the
iations. transport sector contributes 22% of the overall carbon emissions [4]. The development
of a robust transportation system and its associated policy is beneficial for the entire
environment, and most countries across the globe are focusing on it to bring more attention
to it. However, due to the high growth of these economies, public health has now emerged
Copyright: © 2022 by the author.
as a significant concern for these countries. Hence, eco-friendly transportation has become
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
an integral and significant part of the development of communities and is emerging
This article is an open access article
as a significant element in overall economic well-being [5]. Recently, transit-oriented
distributed under the terms and
development (TOD) has been given great importance and is considered by many countries
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
worldwide for achieving environmental sustainability [6]. TOD is generally defined as an
[Link]/licenses/by/
integrated method of land and transport use planning that makes transit use, cycling, and
4.0/).
walking desirable and convenient and maximizes the existing transport system efficiency

Sustainability 2022, 14, 16129. [Link] [Link]

Sustainability 2022, 14, 16129 2 of 10

by concentrating on development. TOD aims to produce pedestrian-friendly and practical

urban neighborhoods, incorporating schools, lodging, travel, and other monetary and
social improvements, thus benefiting different linked groups accordingly [6].
Saudi Arabia is one of the most urbanized countries in the world, as 80% of the
country’s population lives in urban areas [7]. Due to high urbanization and development,
transportation usage has been significantly increasing, increasing environmental problems
and the consumption level. In 2017, the energy consumption from the Saudi Arabian
transport sector was almost 20%, mainly based on fossil fuels [8]. TOD gained immense
appreciation, especially in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, because of the recent development in
the city. With the expectation to reduce carbon emissions, the Riyadh metro system was
developed to combat climate change and transportation-related carbon emissions. In
addition, Riyadh is also implementing a bus network and changing the urban framework
through transit-oriented development [9]. The most significant advantage of this integrated
public system, or TOD, is reducing the per capita energy consumption in the city and
ultimately reduce traffic congestion, which has a direct and positive impact on the economic
and environmental sustainability of the country. Transit development aims to attain the
core production of practical, effective, and blended neighborhoods that incorporate a
high and efficient level of travelling [9]. Lodging, social parks, and other significant
monetary enhancements are some of the significant elements covered under the umbrella
of TOD [10]. One of the most important things associated with TOD is its arrangements in
urban sprawl and arranging systems for green building scenarios by providing access to
make transportation more viable and competitive [10]. In other words, TOD is an initiative
for Riyadh City to move toward greener options and become competitive and feasible.
This study was carried out with the main aim of determining the benefit and need of
transit-oriented development in Saudi Arabia, with a specific focus on Riyadh. This study
will help the government of Riyadh make informed decisions about the development and
planning of the transport system.

2. Literature Review
Peter Calthorpe introduced the TOD concept with a specific focus on transit plan-
ning [11]. TOD has mainly been categorized as one kind of sustainable urban transport
that creates a high level of human interaction. Bernick and Cervero have strongly focused
on the three Ds’ (design, diversity, and density) role in TOD [11,12]. During the 1980s, after
observing suburban congestion, researchers and urban designers focused on alternatives,
such as developments around transit areas, with the main objective of reducing motorized
trips. During the Paris Agreement in 2015, the kingdom (KSA) showed its commitment
to reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases and adhering to the mitigations related
to climate change [13]. The kingdom has demonstrated its dedication and capacity to
reduce more than 130 million tons of carbon dioxide by the end of 2030 [13]. The vision of
2030 is set out in the country’s national determined contribution (NDC), which is aligned
with the United Nations’ concept on the issue of climate change. This NDC can bring
a high level of economic diversification and become highly adaptive to the impact of
climate change [13,14]. According to Noland et al. (2017), both transportation and infras-
tructure are considered significant forms of urbanization [15]. In the current economic
times, urban-based transportation is gaining close attention. It is a significant pillar for
travelers’ mobility that focuses specifically on expanding these areas. Statistics revealed
that 80% of the country’s population lives in urban areas, which shows that urbanization
is at its peak in the country [15]. Papa and Bertolini (2015) indicated that since Riyadh
is becoming a financial hub for Saudi Arabia, and the current king is looking forward to
expanding its position in the context of the goal for 2030, the congestion problem may
increase rapidly [16]. Thus, the country desperately needs TOD to achieve sustainable
transportation that aims to minimize or eradicate environmental problems, maximizing
the quality of life by enhancing social-based inclusions. Wey and Chiu (2013) conducted a
study in which the benefits related to TOD were mentioned [17]. The study was conducted
 Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 10

Sustainability 2022, 14, 16129 enhancing social-based inclusions. Wey and Chiu (2013) conducted a study in which 3 of the
10
benefits related to TOD were mentioned [17]. The study was conducted in Turkey, in
which the sustainable tourism factor was highlighted. The researcher used quantitative
inmeasures
Turkey, in towhich
complete the research,
the sustainable using quantification
tourism for the same
factor was highlighted. The purpose.
researcherThe used re-
searcher used a sample of 404 individuals and found that countries
quantitative measures to complete the research, using quantification for the same purpose. can achieve social
benefits
The by implementing
researcher used a sample [Link] The
404 analysis
individualsfoundand that social
found indicators
that countries include the sta-
can achieve
tus ofbenefits
social humanby health, community-based
implementing livability,found
TOD. The analysis and the
thatequity factor. Theinclude
social indicators researcher
the
revealed
status that TOD
of human is helpful
health, for the people
community-based of Turkey
livability, and theto obtain
equity affordable, green, and
factor. The researcher
sustainable
revealed thattransport that could
TOD is helpful for positively
the peopleincrease
of Turkeytheirtosocial
obtain well-being
affordable, [17].
green, and
sustainable transport that could positively increase their social well-being [17]. was con-
There was another study conducted in the same domain, and the research
ducted by was
There Renne (2009).study
another The researcher
conductedidentified
in the same that one of the
domain, andmain benefits was
the research of TODcon-is
the achievement
ducted by Renne (2009).of environmental
The researchersustainability
identified using
that one environmental indicators.
of the main benefits Envi-
of TOD
isronmental sustainability
the achievement includes overcoming
of environmental sustainabilitypollution, creating a betterindicators.
using environmental environment Envi-for
wildlife, and
ronmental creating a includes
sustainability manageable vehicle system.
overcoming pollution,These elements
creating a better areenvironment
achievable, and for
the researcher
wildlife, has identified
and creating them before
a manageable vehicle[18]. Endorsing
system. These the same idea,
elements Zandiatashbar,
are achievable, and
the researcher
Hamidi, Foster,hasand identified themrevealed
Park (2019) before [18].
that,Endorsing
apart fromthe same idea, Zandiatashbar,
environmental indicators, cer-
Hamidi, Foster, and
tain indicators Park (2019)
of economic revealed that,
well-being apart from
are directly andenvironmental indicators,
indirectly connected certain
with TOD
indicators
[19]. Theseofeconomic
economicindicators
well-being aregain
help directly and indirectly
immense benefits and connected
viability with
in theTOD [19].
transpor-
These
tationeconomic
system and indicators
benefithelp gain immense
the overall community benefits and
[19]. Theviability
studiesincovered
the transportation
above were
system andconducted
generally benefit the in overall community
the European [19].and
areas, Thevery
studies
fewcovered
studies above were conducted
have been generally
conducted
specificallyinintheSaudi
European
Arabia,areas, and very
especially few studies
in Riyadh. have been
Therefore, thisconducted
study wasspecifically
carried outinto
Saudi Arabia,
determine theespecially
benefit ofinTOD Riyadh. Therefore,
in Riyadh [Link] study was carried out to determine the
benefit of TOD in Riyadh City.
3. Methods
3. Methods
3.1. Study Setting
3.1. Study Setting
In the Arabian Peninsula, the Saudi Arabian kingdom is the largest nation, with a
In the Arabian Peninsula, the Saudi Arabian kingdom is the2 largest nation, with a
population of more than 30 million and an area of 2.14 million km . The geographical focus
population of more than 30 million and an area of 2.14 million km2 . The geographical focus
of this research study was Riyadh City, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with a population of
of this research study was Riyadh City, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with a population of
5.5million
5.5 million(Figure
(Figure1).1).Currently,
Currently, thethe spatial
spatial area
area of Riyadh
of Riyadh City
City is almost
is almost 30003000
km,km, cover-
covering
ingdistricts
209 209 districts
and 13and 13 municipalities.
municipalities. In 2014,Inthe
2014,
citythe city initiated
initiated the integrated
the integrated transporttransport
system,
system, with a budget of more than USD 23 billion. This
with a budget of more than USD 23 billion. This was important, as the city’s was important, as population
the city’s pop- is
ulation istoexpected
expected reach 10 to reachby
million 10 2030.
million by 2030.

[Link]
Figure RiyadhCity
CityMap.
Map.
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 10

Sustainability 2022, 14, 16129 4 of 10

3.2. Research Method

The focus
3.2. Research of this study was to evaluate the benefits of transit-oriented development
Method
in Riyadh,
The focus ofArabia.
Saudi Forwas
this study the to
present study,
evaluate the both qualitative
benefits and quantitative
of transit-oriented methods
development in
were adopted
Riyadh, SauditoArabia.
determine the present
For the TOD benefit
study,inboth
Riyadh City. and quantitative methods
qualitative
were adopted to determine the TOD benefit in Riyadh City.
3.3. Data Collection
3.3. Data Collection
The data were collected in two phases. In phase 1, quantitative data were collected
usingThe
the data
questionnaire. In phase
were collected in two 2, qualitative data were
phases. In phase collected by
1, quantitative conducting
data inter-
were collected
views. Purposeful
using the sampling
questionnaire. In was
phase used based on the
2, qualitative dataparticipant’s willingness
were collected to participate
by conducting inter-
in the questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was distributed among 120
views. Purposeful sampling was used based on the participant’s willingness to participate individuals,
among which only 95survey.
in the questionnaire were duly
The filled. Five in-person
questionnaire semi-structured
was distributed among interviews were
120 individuals,
conducted
among which for the qualitative
only data to
95 were duly obtain
filled. valid
Five and reliable
in-person data related interviews
semi-structured to their research
were
objectives,
conducted as forshown in Figuredata
the qualitative 2. Into
addition, this allowed
obtain valid researchers
and reliable to collect
data related more
to their com-
research
plex data and
objectives, comprehensively
as shown in Figure 2. represent the research
In addition, area. Semi-structured
this allowed interviews
researchers to collect more
were conducted
complex data and with stakeholders, including
comprehensively transport
represent the researchexperts, financial consultants,
area. Semi-structured and
interviews
were conducted with stakeholders, including transport experts, financial
environmental specialists. The semi-structured interview comprised unstructured and consultants, and
environmental
structured specialists.
interviews whereThe
themessemi-structured
and questioninterview
lists were comprised unstructured
used to collect data. and
structured interviews where themes and question lists were used to collect data.

Figure 2. Framework for the Data Collection.

Figure 2. Framework for the Data Collection.
Protocol of Interview
Protocol of Interview
The interviews were carried out in person. Before conducting the interviews, the
The interviews
documents were
related to thecarried out in
interviews person.
were sentBefore conducting the
to all participants viainterviews,
hardcopy or theemail.
doc-
uments related to
All participants the asked
were interviews werequestions;
the same sent to alleach
participants
interviewvia
washardcopy
30–40 min orlong.
[Link]
All
participants
providing thewere asked the
participants same
with the questions; each
details of the interview
study, was 30–40
permission min long.
was obtained After
to record
providing the participants
the interview. with the
In this interview, details
closed andof open-ended
the study, permission
questionswas
wereobtained
used totoaddress
record
the interview. In this interview, closed and open-ended questions were
the research question and to have appropriate data addressing the research objectives. used to address
the
Theresearch
interview question
mainly and to have
focused appropriate
on the data addressing
selected aspect the research
of TOD, as shown objectives.
in Table 1. Thus,
The interview
participants mainly
were focused
requested on the selected
to demonstrate aspect
to what of TOD,
extent theseas shown
aspects in Table
would 1. Thus,
be beneficial
participants
by implementingwere TOD
requested to demonstrate
intervention in Riyadh to City.
what extent these aspects would be bene-
ficial by implementing TOD intervention in Riyadh City.
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16129 5 of 10

Table 1. Protocol of Interview.

Section Purpose Contents

Details of the research study objectives are
Opening provided to the participants, and Start of the interview/Rapport is built
permission is taken to record the interview.
To investigate the benefits of TOD in What benefits do you think TOD
1 terms of economic, environmental, and implementation will provide in terms of
social benefits. economic, environmental, and social aspects?
Measure participant’s opinions for the
To what extent do you agree or disagree with
2 necessity of implementing TOD in
the implementation of TOD in Riyadh City?
Riyadh City.

3.4. Data Analysis

The qualitative data collected from participants were transcribed and then docu-
mented. The NVivo software was used, and analysis was performed using grounded
theory. Based on the study question designs and results interpretation, the ‘majority’ or
‘most’ of the participants here indicate 75% or more participants with a similar belief. ‘Many’
refers to 75 and 50%, ‘some’ indicates between 25 and 50% of the participants having similar
beliefs, and ‘few’ indicates less than 25% of the participants. The quantitative data were
analyzed by using SPSS version 21 to determine the mean score.

4. Results
The main aim of this section is to present the findings to address the research question.
This section presents information on the benefits of transit-oriented development in Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia.

4.1. Semi-Structured Interview Findings

4.1.1. Economic Benefits
Most participants stated that transit-oriented development would add significant
economic value to the economy of Riyadh City. One participant indicated that TOD is
expected to reduce unemployment by providing job opportunities for Saudi citizens and
would improve city mobility. Most participants stated that presently, the roads of Riyadh
City are over-congested, which negatively impacts household mobility and businesses,
so they hoped TOD would reduce urban sprawl and increase public transport efficiency.
Another participant stated that transit ridership would increase by implementing TOD,
further increasing fare revenues and bringing additional revenues into the transit system
and localities. Most participants stated that TOD would increase public transportation
usage, leading to the economic efficiencies of these systems and improving the city’s
business productivity. Few participants stated that TOD would increase property value.
Most participants indicated that TOD would help reduce transportation and infrastructure
costs, such as garbage pickup, the cleaning of roads, and the reduction in external fuel cost
consumption and air pollution.

4.1.2. Environmental Benefits

In Saudi Arabia, a high flow of motor vehicles has been observed due to economic
growth and increased urbanization. Most of the participants in this study stated that transit
development would help attain benefits to the quality of the urban environment, such as
increased public transportation usage and land use reformation. Most of the participants
felt that TOD would positively impact the environment of Riyadh City. For example,
according to one participant, almost 18 L of fuel is burned daily due to increased reliance
on private vehicles, so TOD would help in reducing this amount and therefore positively
affect the Riyadh City environment. The majority of the participants felt that TOD could
assist in reducing greenhouse gases by almost 10–24%. One of the participants stated that
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16129 6 of 10

TOD could reduce GHG by almost 35%, smog by 20%, and respiratory disease by 7.9%
through proper transportation planning. The plan includes reducing the use of automobiles
and increasing access to transportation.

4.1.3. Social Benefits

The majority of the participants stated that TOD would provide more destinations
that could easily be assessed by bicycling and walking. According to one participant, TOD
would influence physical activity in various ways, allowing people to walk to transit stops
to access banks, restaurants, and grocery stores. Some of the participants stated that a
reduction in the use of private vehicles would result in fewer accidents; however, it depends
on the TOD design and how it is connected to the transportation system. Furthermore,
it was stated by the interviewees that TOD would help in the reduction in mental health
disorders. For example, one of the participants stated that driving on a congested road
is mainly a great source of stress that the use of efficient TOD could reduce, as it would
provide a more non-motorized mode of transportation.
Most of the participants in this study stated that TOD would positively impact the
community by offering the benefits associated with this development. One of the partici-
pants indicated that TOD would provide more efficient and faster trips. Most participants
indicated that TOD would benefit the community by reducing travel time and allowing
people to adopt an active lifestyle. For example, according to one of the participants, TOD
would reduce congestion and result in less parking costs. Another participant stated that
TOD comprised good public transit, affordable housing, and cultural facilities that would
help improve the livable communities’ concept.

4.2. Questionnaire Findings

The quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire. Table 2 lists the findings of
the TOD environmental benefits in Riyadh City from a general and personal perspective.
From a personal perspective, the TOD benefit in terms of enhancing the city’s aesthetic
beauty and quality of city design obtained the highest mean score of 3.26. On the other
hand, from a general perspective, the findings show that the maximum environmental
benefit that could be achieved is that TOD would help in reducing traffic congestion, which
would reduce noise and air pollution.

Table 2. Environmental Benefits of TOD.

Findings Mean Higher Value

TOD reduces traffic congestion and helps in improving air quality and noise pollution. 4.10
General Perspective
TOD contributes to the land’s more efficient use. 3.09
Personal Perspective TOD enhances the quality of city design and improves aesthetic beauty. 3.26

Table 3 lists the findings of the TOD economic benefits in Riyadh City from a general
and personal perspective. From a personal perspective, the economic benefit of TOD in
terms of providing business opportunities obtained the highest score of 4.2. On the other
hand, from a general perspective, the findings show that the maximum economic benefit
that could be achieved is that TOD would encourage the use of public transport.
The findings of the TOD social benefits in Riyadh City from a general and personal
perspective are shown in Table 4. From a personal perspective, the TOD benefit in providing
services that enhance transit community mobility attained the highest mean score of 3.08.
From a general point of view, the findings show that the maximum benefit that could be
achieved is that TOD would provide options for mobility to older and young people who
do not have cars.
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16129 7 of 10

Table 3. Economic Benefits of TOD.

Findings Mean Higher Value

General Perspective TOD encourages the increased use of public transport. 4.08
TOD provides increased access to retail and local business. 4.20

Personal Perspective TOD increases property value. 3.81

TOD would reduce the need for the construction of roads’ cost associated with the
3.95
long-term maintenance of roads.

Table 4. Social Benefits of TOD.

Findings Mean Higher Value

TOD provides various mobility options for older and young people who do not
General Perspective 4.10
have their own car.
Personal Perspective TOD has various service characteristics that increase automobile mobility. 3.08

5. Discussion
The present study used a mixed methodology to determine the benefits of transit-
oriented development in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. The findings of this study show that
TOD in Riyadh City would positively impact economic, environmental, and social aspects.
One of the important findings of this study is that TOD would increase property value,
which has been accepted at large. Previous studies have demonstrated that TOD has a
positive effect on home values and land prices. For example, a study was carried out in
Hong Kong, where it was found that TOD increased the housing price between 5–35% [20].
In another study carried out by Zhang, (2020) in Wuhan, China, it was found that properties
that lay within 100 m of transit showed an increase of 17% in value, whereas those within
100–400 m showed an increase of 8% in their property value [11].
The study findings show that TOD would provide health benefits due to increased
bicycling and walking. Considering this benefit, a study was conducted in Washington,
which demonstrated that an increase in walking and cycling helps in reducing obesity.
Many problems are related to obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and high
blood pressure. Through TOD implementation, urban development and lower pollution
can be achieved, which results in health benefits. The findings of this study demonstrate
a relationship between physical activity and TOD. This finding is in line with studies
conducted around the world [11,20]. A number of studies have demonstrated that transit-
oriented development correlates with physical activity, irrespective of whether people
live near TOD [21–23]. Studies have shown that transit travelers take walking trips more
to access different services [21–23]. The findings of this study, along with the previous
studies, clearly show that TOD increases walking activities. Considering these health
benefits, further studies that involve medical records and direct measurements are needed
to determine the actual health benefits associated with TOD implementation.
In the last few years, the reduction in the use of private vehicles has been the major
focus of research because of the negative effect on the environment as well people’s social
life. The findings of this study show that implementing TOD would be beneficial in
mitigating these issues. These findings are in line with previous studies, where it was
demonstrated TOD would improve comfort and convenience by increasing access to
activities and services, such as economic benefits, medical services, and financial savings,
as well as enjoyment from being able to attend recreational activities [24,25].
In economic terms, TOD would bring economic benefits to Riyadh City. The findings
of this study revealed that TOD would support the economy of Riyadh City by creating jobs.
These findings align with previous studies, which stated that investing in TOD supports
economic activities [26,27]. In one study, it was found that people living closer to the
public transit service usually work more days every year as compared to those who lack
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16129 8 of 10

access to this transit service [28]. Transit ridership would increase by implementing TOD,
bringing additional revenues into the transit system and localities. This finding is in line
with previous studies [26,27]. One study demonstrated that TOD would reduce the need
for the construction of roads as well as the cost associated with the long-term maintenance
of roads [28]. In another study, it was found that TOD would reduce the transportation
cost of highways and externalities, such as infrastructure expenses, road maintenance, and
fuel consumption costs [29]. The results of this study generated a general hope among
most participants that implementing TOD would reduce household spending as they
change their mode of transportation by switching to use public transport. Moreover, TOD
would improve the accessibility of the city and save time and, at the same time, improve
automobile mobility and reduce congestion costs.
From the point of view of environmental benefit, the findings show that TOD would
help reduce environmental pollution by reducing the use of private vehicles. Most partici-
pants argued that TOD is needed to improve the city’s air quality. Increasing awareness
of TOD-related environmental considerations is important, as it would help discourage
people from using private vehicles. These findings show that investing in TOD would
provide the administration of Riyadh City with an opportunity to change their current
system of transportation and to reduce the consumption of energy, which ultimately helps
in creating an environmentally friendly city. Another study by Li et al. (2019) found that
transit-oriented development is linked with environmental benefits [30]. It can be stated
here that the more efficient the TOD in the Riyadh region, the more environmental benefits
can be gained for the city, such as reducing pollution, enhancing air quality, and reducing
congestion. Each of these benefits was found to be very important in the sustainable
development of Riyadh City. Based on these findings, it is recommended that policymakers
make strong policies so that the city can achieve environmental benefits and enhance the
air quality with the implementation of TOD. The country is looking forward to diversifying
its operations from an oil-oriented economy to a tourism-friendly economy and achieving
the objective of environmental benefits.
Another important finding of this study is that social benefits are expected to increase
for Riyadh City due to the implementation of TOD. Similar results were found in a study
by Pendall et al. (2012), in which researchers linked transit-oriented development with
social benefits and found that the more efficient the TOD, the more social benefits could
be increased for the city [31]. Similar findings were found in another study by Higgins
and Kanaroglou (2018), which found that TOD provides more efficient and faster trips by
reducing travel time and allowing people to have an active lifestyle [32]. These findings
imply that TOD is also important for the social well-being of people in Riyadh City, as it
can help provide its citizens with all the fundamental rights. Based on the findings and
previous studies conducted in the same domain, it is recommended that policymakers
consider the concept of TOD in their region to bring more viability to their city, as this
outcome would help achieve the 2030 vision.

6. Conclusions
This study aimed to evaluate the importance of transit-oriented development for
the city of Riyadh, KSA. A mixed-study research was carried out. TOD is essential to
strengthening Riyadh’s social, environmental, and economic well-being. Regarding social
benefits, TOD would help provide more mobility options for those without a car, the
elderly, and the young. In terms of environmental benefits, TOD would improve the urban
design quality and increase the urban landscape’s aesthetic beauty. From an economic
point of view, TOD would provide accessibility to alternative transport means that would
increase the volume in terms of the mobility of people by a single system. This study’s
outcome provides useful insight into the benefits of TOD. There is a need to incorporate
the combined action of various stakeholders to achieve the 2030 vision of a sustainable
environment. To achieve significant transport development in Riyadh City, government
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16129 9 of 10

authorities must show political commitment and form a comprehensive policy to integrate
TOD into the urban transport system.

Funding: This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Data Availability Statement: The data presented in this study are available on request from the
corresponding author.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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