Smart Transportation Planning

Abstract

In the 21st century, transport has become an essential factor defining countries' progress or failure. The century has also witnessed the shift from conventional styles of transport to modernization and smart models that facilitate the effective movement of people to and from various destinations. The shift originates from factors such as globalization and technological advances, which have become dominant in the present times. For an integral understanding, this paper examined the cornerstones and benefits of smart transportation planning. The report also analyzed the state of transport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the assessment, it became evident that safety, convenience, and speed are the factors that inspire countries to shift towards smart transport. On the other hand, increased investment, high revenues, and amplified employment opportunities comprise the benefits of a well-planned transport system in a country. The paper examined road, railway, air, and water transport challenges in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The two recommendations that are evident from the study comprise stakeholder involvement and intensive planning. Close adherence to these recommendations will help KSA attain the benefits of smart transportation systems. Notably, effective planning and stakeholder involvement originate from the complicated nature of smart transportation and the significance of ensuring that the plans meet modern smart standards.

Key Words: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, transport systems, transportation planning, smart transport.

Introduction

• Introduction

Transport is an essential service needed to effectively deliver various goods and services from one destination to another. In modern times, many countries have focused on improving the swiftness derived when using various modes of transport in and outside their borders. Railways, air, roads, and water are all the media used by people when moving from one place to another. Using these media, individuals travel using trains, airplanes, vehicles, and water vessels to move. Notably, the nature of transport adopted by individuals determines the efficiency of speed derived in delivering goods and services from one place to another. It is vital to explain that while goods comprise the numerous commodities imported or exported by government services, they entail the movement of people with expertise across destinations. These individuals travel as expatriates or other skilled employees hired by companies in far-flung destinations to render their services. Technologies can also move from one location to another with programs needed by different firms to effectively execute their services.

Changes witnessed in modern times have altered how countries focus on the transport sector. Globalization and other technological advances have compelled nations to invest in their transport sectors and improve the various components to move from one location to another (Telang et al., 2021). In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the stakeholders understand the significance of improving the transport sector (Alotaibi & Potoglou, 2018). Notably, the region serves as a passage where goods and services can move to and from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. With the right techniques and proper planning, it becomes easy for KSA to utilize its strategic location and increase the earnings generated from the increased movement (Alsumairi & Tsui, 2017). Religious and destination-related tourism is also gaining importance in the Saudi Arabian government. It implies focusing on transport services, and a smart transport network is better aligned with the kingdom's strategic future. Presently, the kingdom is working on its ports, roads, airports, and railways to ensure the effective movement of various products across the nations and even into other regions. Thus, the research has emphasized the viability and value of smart transportation in the kingdom, for which relative planning should be used. Though KSA is passing through the phase of transformation and transition, it is worth focusing on planning for smart transportation.

The desire to improve the transport sector in KSA is not exclusive to the changing technologies and the strategic locations. Instead, it also stems from the plan to shift away from overreliance on oil and introduce other features that can diversify the economy. Notably, KSA plans to shift from relying on oil and create avenues and other opportunities to improve the economy and revenues earned by the kingdom and its citizens further. Such developments witnessed in KSA inform the purpose of this study as it examines the plan's effectiveness in attaining smart transport planning. The study also assesses the challenges experienced as the kingdom strives to achieve the requirements needed to succeed in improving the transport sector. Thus, the research has contributed to the strategic planning around transportation when the kingdom is moving away from total reliance on oil revenue.

• Research Aims and Objectives
• Aim

The aim of the study is to assess the attainment of smart transportation planning in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the context of diversification being introduced in its economy. It emphasizes planning in the transport sector by presenting the idea of smart transport.

• Research Objectives
• To examine the cornerstones of smart transportation planning in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• To assess the benefits of smart transportation planning in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• To evaluate the features of smart transportation planning in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• To examine the challenges of attaining smart transportation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Research Scope

The scope of the study is to present smart transportation planning for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In so doing, it has focused on presenting a viable framework for the kingdom that is passing through the transformation phase under Vision 2030. It has presented features of smart transportation and its benefits. Once it is done, the research will also present challenges to the implementation of smart transportation in the kingdom. This is how the research has covered smart transportation in a comprehensive manner.

• Statement of the Problem

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a vast space of land that could lead to notable benefits if the transportation systems match modern smart standards. However, unlike many developed countries, KSA has underutilized transport infrastructure. The modes of transport in the kingdom have numerous challenges that affect the attainment of the benefits derived from smart models. The desire to upgrade the transport system originates from the changing technologies that have converted the world into a global village. Air, road, rail, and water transport have various challenges that impair the attainment of benefits of smart transportation planning in KSA. A limited number of skilled human resources, minimal demand for some transport modes such as the railway, and frequent accidents comprise some challenges that affect the implementation of smart plans in KSA's transport sector.

Literature Review

• Literature Review

Technological advances and globalization have made the world a global village where people interact easily and effectively. Gradually, the world opened up, and individuals started moving from various places to others to study, trade, or render their services. In continents such as Europe, many countries abolished the stringent policies that inhibited the movement of goods and people to and from their respective borders. Mantu (2021) elucidates that the Schengen area is a region in Europe that best exemplifies the benefits when individuals and goods move efficiently across regions. The movement of people and goods in the region has generated numerous advantages for the nations and the citizens. It is vital to explain that improving the transport sector is a strategy that increases various opportunities for the people in the region.

Employment, business, and farming are among the areas that flourish when the roads, railways, seaports, and airports are efficient. As such, the decision to work in the transport sector and ensure it meets modern standards is appropriate and timely. Many investors dislike regions characterized by inaccessible means of transport. Menhas et al. (2019) claim that if a nation has well-developed roads, airports, railways, and even ports, the level of development is equally high. A close examination of developed countries reveals that many have advanced modes of transport, and people can move from one location to another swiftly and effectively. Due to the well-developed transport infrastructure, delays and frequent breakdowns are not widespread in these regions.

Unlike industrialized nations, transport infrastructure in many third-world countries is substandard, and movement from one place to another is complex and tiring. Due to underdevelopment in the transport sector, accidents, delays, spoilage, and breakdowns are frequent (Crisosto et al. 2020). Such challenges discourage investors from the region and impair economic, social, and political developments witnessed when the sector is optimal. Therefore, transport is among the factors that contribute immensely to the progress witnessed in a region. In effect, the sector is a defining factor that differentiates third-world nations and advanced economies. While developing countries grapple with ineffective transport infrastructure, industrialized nations enjoy swift and convenient movement of goods and services across their destinations.

2.1. Smart Transport

The term "smart" is used to focus on the importance of income and communication technologies and their application. This research is about smart transportation that is connected with the smart city concept. It is the term first used in the 1990s and focuses on the value of information and communication technology applications. It is the reason why the term smart is analogous to other terms such as digital, virtual, intelligent, and ubiquitous. In this respect, smart transport implies virtual, intelligent, and ubiquitous transport.

Research has studied smart mobility or smart transport as one of the dimensions of the smart city. Smart transport falls under smart mobility, which is defined as the provision of efficient, clean, and equitable transport network services to people and different stakeholders in a society. It also covers the mobility of goods and data through transport services as it is enriched with technology applications. The Saudi Vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also strives to enable and facilitate the mobility of goods and people. Smart measures in transport ensure safety and enhance traffic effectiveness and efficiency. The term transport effectiveness implies being productive and valuable for the purpose in which it is undertaken. Smart transport reduces traffic accidents and prevents tragic incidents.

As far as the context of smart transport in the kingdom is concerned, research has focused on smart city infrastructure. The kingdom has been showing a consistent focus on smart cities where the application of digital and intelligent technologies is shaping every sector, including transport. Smart traffic control has been the research topic in different research studies. The focus has been the use of smart traffic controls in times of traffic congestion. The purpose is to keep the traffic flow smooth and going without many interruptions and delays.

In the 21st century, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), like other countries, realized that the transport sector needs careful planning to maximize its benefits. The kingdom devised a plan to achieve the set developments, culminating in 2030. The long-lived strategic plan led to the inception of an entity called the 'National Transport and Logistics Strategy.' The organization's main role involves amplifying various facets entailed in the transportation sector. The areas identified for the development include air, land, and sea. The starting point for the kingdom was its present situation in the transport sector. A close examination reveals that the region has a transport system which has made fair progress. The entire transport system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is around $20 billion (Habibi 2019). The region hopes to amplify the budget for effective planning and development to around $32 billion. The additional budgeting caters to the unexpected costs and the planned developments that may arise by 2026, when the kingdom expects to conclude the initial transport program.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plans to improve its road, rail, waterways, and airport systems. A report by the International Trade Administration (2023) reveals that the Saudi Arabian kingdom has 29 airports, 10 seaports, and 73,000 km of roads, as shown on the chart. Of the 29 airports, 16 facilitate domestic flights, while 10 ply international routes. The other three help facilitate regional air travel in and outside the kingdom. On the other hand, the kingdom uses one seaport for private transport and 9 to facilitate public businesses. The kingdom also uses 4,900km of roads as highways, 54,180km as single roads, and 14,189 as dual roads. The kingdom also uses 4,500km of railway to facilitate the movement of 11 million tons annually. Railways ferry 11 million tons in the kingdom, while 280 tons move through waterways annually. On the other hand, aircrafts facilitate the movement of 100 million people in and outside the country annually.

An intensive analysis of smart transport is critical for an effective understanding of the significance derived from an effective transport system. Notably, many countries of the world, including KSA, no longer focus on minor improvements in the transport industry. Instead, they are investing in modernizing their transport media and introducing smart components. Griffith (2020) claims that, unlike conventional transport models, smart transport aims to attain three Cs: ' comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing.' These cornerstones of the transport sector differentiate developments in third-world nations from those undertaken by industrialized economies of the world. The expected outcomes from the developments in the smart transport sector include safer, smarter, swifter, and more reliable movement of people and goods from one place to another.

Stakeholders in developed nations presently invest their resources in developments that improve the infrastructure to meet the outlined benefits. The move stems from the realization that a safe, smart, and fast transport sector leads to numerous economic, political, and social developments. Zheng et al. (2019) assert that in different places in China, people work in far-flung regions away from their places of homesteads. However, these individuals travel regularly to see their loved ones due to the safe and swift transport. Such a safe and reliable mode of transport is integral in ensuring that a country harnesses the sector and enjoys the gains derived from the associated developments. Instead of sticking to conventional transport models, countries need to ensure that they modernize their systems to facilitate the effective movement of goods and people easily, safely, and conveniently.

Figure 1: Air and Water Transport in KSA

The highlighted chart (figure 1) demonstrates the significant role played by the transport sector in KSA. From the pie chart, KSA has invested most of its resources in air transport as opposed to water transport. Notably, high investment stems from the dominant role of air transport in facilitating the movement of people and goods across distances quickly and conveniently. Another factor that explains the appearance of the chart is the few waterways found in the country. KSA does not have rivers, and the only available water bodies that help in transport are the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Therefore, the chart illustrates the role that modes of transport play, especially air and water, in KSA.

2.2. Cornerstones of Smart Transportation Planning

2.2.1. Comprehensive, Cooperative, and Continuing

Smart transportation has three major benefits derived from effective planning and successful implementation of the proposed blueprint. As explained earlier, smart transport hinges on 3Cs, which include comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing (Table 1). These frameworks help develop smart transport networks and improve the vessels in each mode. For instance, when creating road systems in KSA, stakeholders such as the government must create comprehensive plans. These blueprints need to be comprehensive and minimize the instances of costly repairs associated with haphazard preparations. Lv and Shang (2023) explain that sometimes, governments incur unnecessary costs when the tasked individuals fail to develop well-drafted policies and guidelines. Therefore, comprehensiveness is one of the cornerstones needed for effective planning and implementation of smart transportation in countries such as KSA.

Another vital feature that facilitates the successful development and utility of smart transport systems is cooperation between the required stakeholders. The transport system is a significant component needed to ensure that countries enjoy the various benefits they generate. Increased opportunities for employment and business and additional avenues for studying and other engagements are common when nations improve their transport systems. As such, the development of smart transportation plans should incorporate input from all stakeholders (Rześny-Cieplińska et al. 2021). The skills and funds from these stakeholders are necessary for the effective execution of programs in a manner that meets all the requisite standards. Without stakeholders' cooperation, it becomes complex to create smart transport programs. Therefore, cooperation is one of the requirements needed to successfully introduce smart transportation in KSA and other nations around the world.

The third 'C' essential in creating smart transport systems in regions such as KSA is continuous evaluation or follow-up. After planning comprehensively and utilizing input from all the stakeholders, intensive follow-up is necessary. Notably, continued assessment does not end when the transport systems are complete. Instead, it is a continuous process that takes decades and monitors the gains derived from the developments. Regular checks and assessments on whether the outcomes reflect those set out in the initial plan are among the factors considered during the continuous stage in the development of smart transportation planning. Simić et al. (2022) assert that follow-up is vital because it helps in examining the challenges that may occur during and after the implementation of the plans. It is through these close assessments that errors and miscalculations receive timely rectifications. Through continuous follow-up, costly mistakes that could lead to ineffective delays, breakdowns, and inconvenient developments become subjects of timely corrections.

Table 1: Cornerstones and Benefits of Smart Transportation Planning in KSA

2.3. Benefits of Smart Transportation Planning

The transport sector is an essential component needed for successful movement of goods and people from one place to another. Initially, people have downplayed the significance of transport systems and invested minimal amounts towards its development. However, changes in the 20th and 21st centuries led to a realization that with advanced transport systems, it becomes easy for governments to progress in various facets of development. Notably, effective and smart transportation frameworks are essential in the attainment of benefits such as development, increased employment and business opportunities, as well as increased investment. These benefits, which include increased employment and business opportunities, emanate from well-developed transport modes such as roads, railways, airports, and seaports (Table 1). The realization has encouraged many countries and kingdoms, such as KSA, to invest considerably in developing smart transportation networks.

Benefits are crucial in setting the case of smart transportation in KSA because it becomes the motivation and strategic justification to invest in these areas. The term "smart" is not new for KSA as it is already pursuing targets for smart cities as it pursues its strategic national vision of diversifying its economy. As far as the concept of smart cities is concerned, it is worth noting that transport is an inevitable part of the city as it connects different sectors and parties of a city. Research has connected the application of Geoinformation and Communication Technology (GeoICT) with the smart city concept. One can connect it with the transport sector as it has relevance to it. The research noted that some good practices are in line with the smart city concept in KSA, but there are gaps and shortcomings in projects (Aina, 2017). However, the benefits of smart city projects call for focusing on smart initiatives across sectors so that everyone can benefit from them. Specific to smart transport systems are some unique benefits related to employment and exploiting business opportunities.

2.3.1. Increased Employment and Business Opportunities

One of the benefits derived from well-developed transportation systems is increased employment and business opportunities. When the government develops transport systems, the scale of job and business opportunities increases. Dilapidated transport systems discourage people from setting up their businesses and limit the scale of employment in the region. Besides, substandard roads, airports, waterways, and railways also limit the ability to access opportunities from far-flung regions. However, when these transport systems are effective, the scale of job and business openings increases considerably. As explained earlier, the movement of people in places like China is effective and has enabled them to work and live in distant locations without limited access to their loved ones (Ren et al. 2020). Effective and well-developed transportation systems in places like KSA are notable because of its expansive area. With well-developed smart transportation systems, people can move in and outside the kingdom easily and successfully.

As this paper has focused on the planning phase, any evidence in support of smart transport can, therefore, be motivating for KSA and its endeavors toward a smart transport system. One of the prominent benefits of a smart and efficient transport network is for investors as they see it as an attraction for their investment decisions. As noted in the research, an opportunity that emanates from well-developed transportation systems is increased investment. These investments originate from public and private sectors in and outside respective nations. Zhang et al. (2021) state that investors establish their enterprises in destinations like Europe and North America due to the smart transportation systems. Governments and multinationals have set up their subsidiaries in these regions because they can easily move their goods and raw materials from one location to another. The understanding that goods and raw materials can arrive at the desired destinations safely and with the right quality encourages many investors to establish their operations in these regions. The recent economic progress in the Asian region stemmed from an advancement in the transport sector. Ignatiev (2021) explains that companies such as Apple Inc. established their subsidiaries and invested in the region due to these developments. It implies that the benefits of smart transportation planning are not merely linked to the national level stakeholders, but it attracts interactional companies to invest in the country. It is a considerable benefit of smart transportation that links it with the globalization trends. Therefore, increased investment is another vital factor from well-developed smart transportation systems in places like KSA. It justified the planning in the area of smart transportation in the kingdom that needs proper planning.

2.4. Features of Smart Transportation Planning

The benefits of smart transportation are based on its unique features, which are distinguished from traditional transportation. The move from conventional transport to smart transportation planning emanated from the desire to attain three factors associated with the high-quality movement of goods and people. Safety, speed, and convenience are the three components derived from the smart planning of transportation systems. This research has comprehensively summarized features of smart transportation planning that make transport safe, high in speed, and convenient. Convenience brings many benefits, as the flexibility and usefulness of smart transportation expand value across sectors and fields in an economy. It also helps practitioners and researchers in this field to focus on these three comprehensive features of smart transportation. Planning should also consider these features, and smart transportation should be based on them so that the implementation of smart transportation brings these features. Unlike in the past, modern societies have people who desire to travel to various locations in search of employment, business, educational, and religious opportunities. Places like Saudi Arabia, for instance, receive a high number of visitors annually who travel to the region for religious purposes. As such, ensuring that their transport systems are high-end and match the outlined qualities is vital. For the effective attainment of the highlighted benefits, it is significant to ensure that stakeholders engage in proper planning to transport people and goods from one location to another. Technological advancements and globalization are also factors that triggered the rapid development in the transport sector among many nations globally. The contemporary perspective highlights the value of smart transportation as the kingdom is going to diversify its economy on a strategic basis. An explanation of these features is going to be in the next subsection.

2.4.1. Safety, Convenience, and Speed

Safety, convenience, and speed are among the components generated by well-planned transport systems in kingdoms like KSA, as also illustrated in the Table 2. Notably, when companies plan the transport systems appropriately, the eventual outcomes witnessed in the sector lead to improved safety. Advanced planning leads to high-quality roads, airports, waterways, and railroads, improving the level of safety that people and goods enjoy when using these modes of transport. Hahn et al. (2019) elucidate that accidents, breakdowns, and delays are common when people use roads that do not follow advanced planning from appropriate stakeholders. However, in developed nations, stakeholders develop high-quality roads with the properties needed to facilitate safety. Without frequent accidents, the movement of people and goods improves, and investment advances considerably. In effect, smart transportation improves the scale of investment and developments in other aspects of respective governments. Therefore, safety is a feature enjoyed by countries and kingdoms like KSA when they plan their transport systems in a smart manner.

Convenience is another feature that emanates from the systematic planning of transportation components by stakeholders in the public and private sectors. Through careful assessment of the eventual outcome of the various elements in the transport sector, governments end up with high-quality infrastructure. Smart planning focuses on attaining high levels of convenience enjoyed by users and those ferrying them from one place to another. Availability of transport systems, ease of access to the requisite facilitators of the respective transport, and affordability are among the factors associated with convenient transport systems. When governments plan their transport systems effectively, the aspects associated with convenience become practical. With these features, people and goods can move easily and successfully from one place to another. Governments and other stakeholders in developed countries like KSA should work hard to ensure that the roads, airports, waterways, and railroads are accessible in all parts of the country. When such modes are accessible, people can easily move their goods and equally travel to their preferred destinations.

The third aspect generated by smart planning of the transportation sector is speed. High-end infrastructure results in increased speeds due to the well-developed roads, waterways, railroads, and airports. Increased speeds usually transpire because of the minimal barriers common in developing nations. The advent of superhighways, advanced airports, railroads, and waterways increased the swiftness in the movement of people and goods in and outside countries. Lv and Shang (2023) explain that the high development of infrastructure amplifies convenience and improves safety. With safety and convenience, participants in the transport sector can successfully use the roads, waterbodies, airports, or railways without the fear of accidents. Currently, the high-end transport sector in various countries like China has led to the development of bullet trains, which move at high speeds to and from different places (Duan et al. 2021). Additionally, airplanes can move at high speeds from Europe to regions such as North America speedily without the fear of accidents and breakdowns. Therefore, speed is another feature enjoyed by stakeholders and users when the transport sector follows a smart plan.

Table 2: Features of Smart Transportation Planning in KSA

2.5. Transport System in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2.5.1. Road Transport

The transport system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia traces back to the 20th century when King Abdulaziz introduced the first car in the country. The introduction of the first car by the king in 1921 changed the course of transport in the country significantly. The move led to the development of roads to meet the rising demand for vehicles that, over time, surpassed camel use in the kingdom. Notably, deserts, mountains, and valleys characterize the region and complicate the process of creating reliable road networks in the region. Degen et al. (2019) assert that due to the low cost of fuel in the region, it was easy to introduce vehicles at a rate that quickly bypassed the conventional forms of transport. Unlike in other parts of the world, KSA has high temperatures, which discourages the residents from using bicycles or walking. As roads continued flourishing in the kingdom, the Ministry of Transport subdivided the development into two major phases. The initial stage of road development occurred from 1938 to 1970, and the second stage materialized afterward.

At this point, when the kingdom is passing through a transformation phase, smart concepts are emerging across different sectors. This research presents how the traditional road travel network in the kingdom can embrace smart concepts. Application of ICT in air travel is essential, but the kingdom must implement ICT and a range of technologies in the road network as well. The use of geo-location and assistance to vehicles regarding the flow and safety of their travel can benefit stakeholders in the kingdom a lot. Speed will increase, but the use of smart concepts will bring this objective by ensuring the safety of travel. This is how safety and speed come with the introduction and implementation of smart concepts. The application of ICT will need the implementation of technological infrastructure to the transport network, which will need pre-planning. Once it is done, the government can streamline smart concepts in the sector conveniently. Strategy formulation is required before implementing it.

2.5.2. Railway Transport

In the context of railways, the first railroad span from Medina to Damascus was built in 1900 and completed after eight years. Although the railway was low-quality, with a size of 1,050mm, it was a major connector uniting various parts of the kingdom (Altuwaijri 2019). Eventually, the railroad extended to Mecca with the intent of facilitating movement by pilgrims who frequented the holy city for religious purposes. The railway system was operational until the advent of the First World War. After the war, the kingdom began working on a 569 km line in 1947.

The development of the railway in 1947 and its inauguration by King Abdulaziz in 1951 came before the inception of the 'Saudi Railways Organization.' At the time, the railroad was under the management of Saudi Aramco, an organization that later surrendered it to the kingdom's 'Ministry of Finance.' Ali and Salameh (2021) claim that as railway expansion continued, the kingdom built and completed 280 miles by 1985. Since then, the country has continued expanding, and in 2017, the kingdom finished the 'Haramain High-Speed Line.' The completed line connects Mecca and Medina through the 'King Abdulaziz International Airport,' in Jeddah, and the Economic City based in Rabigh.

The current development of the rail network in the kingdom is well in line with modern needs. However, the implementation of a smart rail network is feasible as the modern infrastructure development of the rail network can integrate with it. The developed world has invested in innovative rail networks by installing the infrastructure of bullet trains. It is more valuable to ensure the application of communication technologies in the rail network so that fast journeys with trains remain safe and certain. A smart concept in the rail network is through the application of technology and its related services.

2.5.3. Air Transport

Air transport in Saudi Arabia is still young and needs costly developments to meet modern standards. Presently, the dominant airports providing services to individuals comprise King Abdulaziz Airport, located in Jeddah, and King Fahd International Airport, based in Dammam (Dahim 2021). Another airport is King Khalid International Airport, which is in the city of Riyadh. Besides, the region also has other small airports, such as the 'Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport' that facilitate the movement of people and goods in and outside the region. Other than Airports, the kingdom also has a number of airlines that it uses to facilitate the movement of commodities and people easily and efficiently.

The first airplane owned by the Saudi Kingdom was a gift from United States President Franklin Roosevelt in 1945. Higgins (2019) explains that the airplane, Douglas DC-3 Dakota, was a small single-winged airplane with twin engines. Over time, the airline has grown to its present state, where it has more than 100 carriers and travels to more than 90 locations globally. Other airline companies in KSA include Aramco, which has seven airplanes, Flyadeal, Flynas, and SaudiGulf Airplanes. A close examination of these explanations outlined above reveals that the airport sector in KSA is still young, and the government should invest lots of resources towards meeting the tenets enshrined in smart planning.

This is an area of considerable integration with smart transportation concepts. For instance, integration with the international aviation system and streamlining of aviation operations in the kingdom are well in line with aviation standards. However, there is room for the inclusion of passengers in the aviation sector, where they can have more input and information about air travel. Efficiency and convenience are features of air travel that passengers can also benefit from. Implementation of digital technologies and intelligent systems in air travel is more understandable as it can be risky for its least room for any mistake.

2.5.4. Water Transport

Unlike other countries of the world, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not have rivers flowing through it besides the seasonal streams that fill during the rainy periods and later dry up. The absence of inland waterways implies that the kingdom relies only on large water bodies such as the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Kotilaine (2023) alludes to ports such as King Abdulaziz Port, located at Dammam, King Abdullah Port, and Jeddah Islamic Port, all found at the Red Sea. On the other hand, Ra's al-Khair Port, Jubail Commercial Port, and King Fahd Industrial Port lie on the Persian Gulf. These ports facilitate the passage of millions of people and goods into Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world. Some of the ports have been active for decades and have helped people from various parts of the world visit the area for trade and religious purposes.

These ports contributed considerably to the rise of spice business in the kingdom before the inception of roads and other forms of transport. Idrisi and Al-Ejli (2021) claim that historically, pilgrims have used the Jeddah Islamic Port to travel into the kingdom to Medina and Mecca, which are the holy cities among Muslims. One of the dominant products supplied using the ports is oil and other petroleum components. The high supply of oil materializes because of the high deposits that make it one of the leading producers and exporters of the product. For effective management of the ports in the kingdom, all of them are under Mawani, the 'Saudi Ports Authority.' The agency oversees all the operations undertaken by ports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and ensures that they undertake their operations successfully. The presence of ports at the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf has led to the development of urban centers. These towns and cities provide services to sailors, tourists, and other individuals involved in sea transport. It implies that the focus of KSA regarding water-based travel should be on trade and commercial activity with the world through ports along the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. The application of smart technologies can benefit internal and external stakeholders. The current pace of transformation in the kingdom focuses on the involvement of different stakeholders in the progress and development of the kingdom. The aim is to diversify income streams so that the kingdom can earn money from sources other than oil and gas. It requires a detailed and comprehensive smart plan to implement new technologies in the water transport aspect of the kingdom. It is the area that needs more attention when implementing smart methods and systems.

2.6. Proposed Developments in the Transport Sector

In its quest to match its transport system with other modern models of the world, KSA intends to introduce various policies in its road, air, railways, and water systems. In the road sector, the kingdom plans to turn its automobile industry into one of the best in the world. According to a report drafted by Shahid (2023), KSA plans to convert its vehicles to match those produced by companies in Asia, Europe, and North America. The plan aims to convert the country's road industry to minimize accidents and losses while maximizing the resultant benefits. As a result of a significant move, the kingdom plans to reduce oil dependence and ensure that its vehicles use electricity. The focus stems from the observations of the direction in which modern technologies are gradually shaping the world. Using the ROSHN Group, KSA has introduced more than 9,000 electric cars. The country plans to use the first section of vehicles to move pilgrims to Mecca and Medina's holy cities.

In the air sector, KSA has programs that focus on enabling it to attain a smart transportation system alongside other developed country. One such move that will change the nature of the aviation industry in KSA is the creation of a high-end airport. According to the report provided by Shahid (2023), the new airport, 'King Salman International,' will have six runways. Due to the many runways, the airport will facilitate the movement of more than 100 million people in and outside the kingdom. In meeting the program, Saleh Al Jasser, KSA transport minister, released funds totaling $133 billion. The funds from the transport minister will also be pivotal in upgrading the other airports in the region. As such, in line with the plans to improve the aviation industry in KSA, the funds will facilitate the development of a new airport with six runways and help upgrade other airports in the country.

Besides developing new airports and upgrading existing ones, the kingdom has also witnessed the planned entry and expansion of popular airlines. Some of the airlines are NEOM, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and Flynas. Presently, NEOM claims that it plans to be fully operational by 2024. On the other hand, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Flyadeal have programs geared towards expanding their operations in more than 20 destinations in KSA. Flyadeal plans to increase its airplanes to 110 from the current number of 28 (Shahid 2023). The kingdom is also likely to witness a rise in Boeing 787 Dreamliners to 121 by the end of 2023. All the highlighted programs are likely to improve the shape of the aviation industry and help the company move closer to attaining its vision of achieving the quest to upgrade its transportation system.

In the railway and maritime sector, KSA plans to improve the quality of its vessels and ensure that the operations in ports at the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. The plans advanced by the company to improve the water transport system will help the country meet its 2030 vision of being one of the dominant destinations in the world (Dahim 2021). Some objectives guiding the development of water transport comprise the desire to make it one of the world's leading tourism destinations. In the context of railways, the country plans to upgrade its railways and ensure that it minimizes the low demand from societies. The railways and sea sector developments will improve the transport system's quality and help it move towards the desire to achieve the smart goals as stipulated in Vision 2030.

2.7. Challenges of Attaining Smart Transportation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The transport sector in KSA is significant and can help it progress towards attaining the goals set out in 2030. Increasing tourism numbers, improving trade, and augmenting employment and business opportunities are among the cornerstones enshrined in the KSA transportation program. It seems that plans and programs in the transportation sector are like assisting and helping in nature towards the 2030 vision. In this respect, smart transportation plans are an ideal and strategically integral part of the vision. However, there are some challenges on its way that are worth elaborating and explaining. A report by Grant (2023) indicates that the transport industry experienced considerable challenges following the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, prominent airlines such as British Airways pulled out in a move that affected the country's airline sector. The quest to attain a smart transportation system in KSA is long and complex due to the various issues affecting the country's transport sector. Road, air, rail, and air transport in KSA need extensive investment before the kingdom attains the much-desired smart transportation levels witnessed in developed countries. Due to ineffective planning of the different modes of transport in KSA, it is prone to various challenges. On one hand, this research presents the plan, and on the other hand, it devises the way to confront and overcome these challenges.

Presently, the transport sector in KSA accounts for many deaths caused by accidents and unfavorable terrain. Dahim (2023) asserts that the transport sector in KSA is among the leading contributors to environmental pollution in the country. Of all the modes of transport, air transport is the best fit to facilitate the movement of people to far-flung regions. Road and rail transport can facilitate the movement of people and goods in and within regions such as the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. However, the great distances and the challenges associated with road transport impair such journeys. Road transport in KSA is prone to accidents, breakdowns, and bad road terrains. Therefore, using the mode of transport is complex and discourages people from using it to move across the country and to other adjacent regions. As such, air transport is one of the effective modes that could help the country generate expertise and harness opportunities generated from expert services.

The application of information and communication technologies will not only benefit the traditional transport sector but also be in line with the strategic vision of the kingdom. It is also in line with environmental responsibility and sustainable practices as global attention has come towards the environment and its care. ICT is an act to ensure the reduction of pollution, and it brings efficiency as connection and coordination are saliant features of smart transportation. KSA must understand these challenges and the need to address them to become strategically viable. Cost and benefit analysis and alignment with international and national stakeholders are prominent challenges. The smart transportation sector must be dynamic and changing as per the required needs of the kingdom. As a result, it can cause efficiency across different sectors, including tourism and other business sectors. Thus, overcoming challenges in the smart transportation sector will mean being proactive in the transportation sector.

2.7.1. Air Transport

• Funding

Air transport in KSA faces various challenges that affect its quest to match the standards of its counterparts like Qatar, Emirates Airlines, and other renowned airlines in the region. Some challenges that stakeholders in the region need to assess closely include funding and labor. Notably, the airline industry in KSA continues to face challenges linked to the funds needed to develop its airports and acquire airlines. Regardless of the expansive area covered by KSA, the country has less than 30 airports that can facilitate the movement of people and goods (International Trade Administration, 2023). Besides the limited number of airports and airlines, their standards are still low compared to others in adjacent destinations.

Equally, the destinations targeted by airlines in the kingdom are less than 200, making the industry one of the least performing in the region and other parts of the world, such as Europe. With the limitations in the airline industry, the kingdom presents itself as one that needs funding to advance it to match the latest standards. Idrisi and Al-Ejli (2021) assert that one of the challenges faced by air transport in KSA is funds that could be pivotal in improving the quality of airports and in the acquisition of modern airlines. Investors from private and public sectors can play a vital role in the provision of resources the kingdom needs to develop its air transport and maximize the desired benefits.

• Inadequate and Unskilled Labor

The second challenge affecting air transport in KSA is the minimal labor to handle the demands advanced in the industry. Unlike many parts of the world characterized by a surplus number of people in need of job opportunities in various sectors, KSA suffers from limited human resources and does not have the requisite expertise. Sadasivan (2023) claims that with the minimal entry of people from far-flung destinations, it becomes complex for individuals in KSA to learn and understand various expertise in the aviation industry. It is significant to explain that the rise and growth of airlines in places like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hinges closely on the character of authorities in the regions. Opening up the regions for visitors, increasing the scale of tourism, and providing educational facilities comprise the activities that advance the quality of airlines and airports in the region.

Notably, airports in various parts of the world utilize skills from expatriates from foreign regions. Modern technology is ever-changing, and failure to align with the changes on time renders some human activities redundant. The lagging quality of development in the air industry witnessed in KSA signifies the challenge associated with the untimely adoption of resources and skills from other countries. Unlike many places around the globe, KSA closely adheres to religious policies that discourage people from traveling and investing there. Due to the severity of punishments associated with failure to comply, skilled employees are reluctant to travel and undertake their regional activities. While millions of people travel and undertake their activities in places like Dubai, very few want to travel to Saudi Arabia (Dahim 2021). The high developments in the airline and airport sector visible in regions like Dubai have close connections with the millions of expatriates visiting the region. As such, KSA faces the challenge of inadequate and unskilled human resources to improve the quality of their airports and airlines.

2.7.2. Rail Transport

• Minimal Habitation and Low Demand

Railways comprise a medium of transport that can be practical in advancing the quality of movement in KSA. While railway travel is advanced in other countries of the world, such as Europe, Asia, and North America, its development is substandard in Saudi Arabia. Idrisi and Al-Ejli (2021) assert that Saudi Arabia has a vast land, but a larger part of the country does not have habitation by individuals. The limited habitation of the land is among the challenges affecting the railway transport system in the country. These challenges interfere with the desire to create smart planning of the transport system in KSA. Due to the limited population of the people in the country, demand for its services is minimal.

Unlike in other countries like China, which has a high number of people using trains to execute their services, Saudi Arabia has a population that relies mainly on cars and other automobiles. Due to the low fuel prices, many individuals in KSA prefer to use their vehicles instead of other options, such as railways (Saif et al. 2016). The limitation affects the desire to introduce smart plans in the railway system and optimize its benefits. Without the right attitude from the citizens, the introduction of smart policies in the railway sector becomes complex. It is vital to explain that high demand for train services is a move that promotes revenues, increases employment, and triggers investment. As such, the mode of transport is essential in KSA, but the limited demand for its services is a challenge that needs careful examination when planning.

• Harsh Terrain

Another problem that inhibits the process of creating smart plans in the KSA transportation sector is the harsh terrain. A large part of Saudi Arabia has deserts and challenging terrains, which complicate the placement of railways in the region. Due to the difficulties experienced when placing the railways, the cost incurred during the process becomes high. Saif et al. (2016) state that sometimes, the railways shift because of the poor holding power from the sand, silt, and salt. These soils make it complex to place the railways in the desert because of the regular sand dunes and soil erosion.

Equally, the unstable grounds used to install the railway tracks are also difficult due to the challenge of sandstorms. Due to these complications, the cost of placing railways rises. Frequent shifts caused by sandstorms discourage several potential users from utilizing the transport system to move their goods (Dahim 2021). As such, even the existing railways do not generate sufficient income, something that triggers the challenge of the probability of making adequate income after investing in a smart railway system. Therefore, smart planning of the railway system in Saudi Arabia is a factor that needs careful examination because of the challenge outlined above. These challenges necessitate well-crafted analysis to successfully address them and minimize the shortcomings that may occur after their completion.

2.7.3. Water and Road Transport

Water and road transport are among the other mediums that KSA can use to improve its revenues and optimize the benefits generated by smartly planned transportation systems. However, before introducing smart plans for water transport, KSA needs to work on challenges that could affect its development. Some common challenges when planning and developing smart development in water transport include marginalization and the absence of inland waterways. Regardless of its large size, KSA is close to two water bodies: the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf (Idrisi and Al-Ejli 2021). These two major water bodies are not effective in the movement of people and goods into other parts of the world. Some destinations facilitated by the two water bodies include Africa, Arabia, and Europe. The mimical locations impair the effectiveness of water transport in KSA. Without proper planning, the process of creating a smart transportation system in the country becomes difficult and may fail to generate the desired outcomes.

On the other hand, the road system also has challenges that impair its effectiveness and the swiftness of smart planning in KSA. Unlike other forms of transport, the road transport system has flourished and has a high number of people. The demand for vehicles occurred because of the low cost of fuel occurring because KSA is one of the leading oil exporters in the world. However, despite the flourishing revenues generated from the road transport sector, ineffective developments have caused challenges affecting its progress. Dahim (2021) notes that road transport is prone to several accidents, with many people dying yearly. Besides accidents, the sector is also susceptible to regular traffic jams that lead to delays. Such problems occurred because of the high number of people owning personal cars. Additionally, large buses also ferry individuals across cities in KSA. The combination of the highlighted categories of automobiles leads to congestion in the road sector and impairs the desire to improve the road transport sector in KSA.

2.8. Challenges of Smart Transportation Planning in KSA

The figure below illustrates the challenges faced by each mode of transport in KSA. The illustrations support the explanations provided in the section.

Table 3: Challenges of Smart Transportation Planning in KSA

Lack of skilled workforce and traffic congestion are challenges to which the kingdom is responding efficiently. It has been developing infrastructure and inviting the workforce to meet the gap. However, these remain major challenges, and harsh terrain causes challenges for transportation through trains. It implies that the kingdom must invest huge amounts of funds and energy in the workforce to meet these challenges. The main challenge is that the government must involve stakeholders to make smart transportation possible.

2.9. Summary

Transportation is an essential component needed for the successful movement of people and goods from one place to another. When transport is effective, countries enjoy benefits, which include increased employment, amplified investment, and high revenues. These benefits originate from well-planned transport systems and are evident in the world's advanced economies. Realizing that transport is an integral aspect of development in countries encouraged stakeholders to look for ways to promote its development. The focus of many countries around the globe was on ensuring that the transport systems changed from conventional to modern smart models. Technological advancements and globalization comprise the factors that encouraged nations to devise strategies that enabled them to shift to smart transport systems. The smart transportation sector can only start with planning towards the smart practices in which the use of technology and orientation towards stakeholders are saliant features. As such, countries needed to work hard so that they could attain smart transportation models, as witnessed in various countries in Europe, Asia, and North America. It implies that the implementation of smart transportation in KSA should consider benchmarking similar examples in other countries.

It is vital to explain that attaining smart transportation models can only materialize with proper and intensive planning from the relevant stakeholders. It is worth defining smart transportation. The term smart is defined as digital and technology-intensive practice. In the case of smart transportation, it means the use of digital and tech-intensive solutions in the transportation sector. The purpose is to ensure efficiency and limit errors with the help of technology and its various applications. The term smart is more understandable when it is used in the context of smart city concept.

The research's finding is in the form of this summary that shows the need for more actions and initiatives towards smart transportation. Government and other private and public stakeholders should cooperate to ensure the transport system matches modern standards. Smart transportation planning sets three features before it, notably speed, safety, and convenience. They are the components that define well-planned transport systems from those designed haphazardly. The use of information and communication technologies in the context of global trends and standards lies at the center of the smart transportation planning perspective. It needs a guiding environment developed by the government that is in line with Vision 2030. Infrastructure development to suit technology is also needed so that all stakeholders can use smart transportation systems. When roads, railways, airways, and sea transport follow modernized techniques, they easily achieve the outlined elements. In advanced economies found in places like Asia and Europe, people and goods move from one place to another swiftly, safely, and conveniently. It is vital to explain that when people and goods move across nations, the revenues generated increase and advance the economies of the respective destinations. The planning process in the course of achieving a modern transport system follows the 3Cs, which include comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing. These are additional features of smart transportation that make it comprehensive by covering different dimensions of the sector. The involvement of technology and adherence to global factors make the sector comprehensive under the smart transportation context. Stakeholder orientation is also a vital part of cooperation and coordination across internal and external stakeholders. The feature of continuing means the smart transportation sector should be dynamic and welcoming to change, considering the dynamic external environment. These factors help countries like KSA meet the requisite standards and modernize their transport sectors.

In KSA, the transport sector is young and needs lots of development before it attains modern smart standards. It sheds light on a more challenging scenario for the smart transport sector that must coordinate and invite integration for the traditional transportation sector. With a specific focus on the transportation sector, the country needs to increase investment in various modes of transport such as roads, railways, air, and water. Application of ICT and letting all transportation stakeholders embrace it present considerable challenges. For this purpose, increased funding will enable the development of modern infrastructure, education of additional human resources to serve in these sectors, and an upgrade of the existing models. When such happens, it becomes easy for the kingdom to move toward its quest for smart transportation planning. Currently, KSA has a strategy enshrined in Vision 2030 that focuses on improving the kingdom's transport sector and changing the overall outlook of its railways, road, air, and water. Therefore, it is more convenient for the kingdom to integrate the smart transportation sector with Vision 2030.

The blueprints enshrined in the program can become practical if the stakeholders in the transport sector work together along the smart transportation sector. Capacity building for transportation stakeholders in the kingdom can help to move ahead towards smart transportation. The planning phase should involve all stakeholders so that technology implementation covers all of them. Cooperation among the stakeholders should be intensive and has to entail careful planning so that the challenges receive timely redress. Notably, the interventions needed in different models are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the existing problems. Therefore, KSA needs to carefully plan for the smart transportation sector with expert aid from stakeholders in the public and private sectors. With intensive planning, as this research has done, the kingdom will successfully achieve the much-desired smart transportation system and associated benefits. The use of smart transportation is not an option but is part of the whole system where everything is moving towards technology and innovation.

2.10. Conceptual Framework

This conceptual framework is similar to the findings that the conceptual model has derived from the discussion and review of studies in the above sections. From the conceptual framework (Figure 2), it is clear that smart transportation is an outcome of cornerstones such as safety, speed, and convenience. These are three saliant features of the smart transportation system that has got its unique challenges as well. These features are obvious as smart techniques offer opportunities for safety and convenience. They are fast as well and have the opportunity to do many things at one time. The application of smart concepts in the transportation sector brings these outcomes as there is research evidence to support it. These features are highly useful and refer to the desire to have transportation systems that facilitate the movement of people and goods from one place to another speedily, safely, and conveniently, inspiring the desire to create plans to achieve smart transportation. A report by the International Trade Administration (2023) indicates that in KSA, planning is needed to ensure that people can move or ferry their commodities across destinations safely, speedily, and conveniently. It is vital to understand that effective planning of transportation systems has notable benefits enjoyed by relevant stakeholders. The same outcomes are there for smart transportation that will be in line with the objective of KSA as indicated by the International Trade Administration.

Increased investment from private and public entities, high employment opportunities, and amplified revenues comprise the benefits sourced from well-planned transportation systems. Degen et al. (2019) claim that when people understand that the movement from one place to another is safe, fast, and convenient, they invest, create job opportunities, or even decide to serve in other areas. A combination of these activities leads to high revenues generated by governments. Increased investment and high employment opportunities for people in private and public enterprises increase the number of taxpayers. The eventual outcome of an augmented number of taxpayers is a rise in revenues generated by governments such as KSA. Research presents evidence that smart transportation has three cornerstones or factors, including safety, speed, and convenience. Research on smart practices has noted these factors of smart practices, so they also apply to smart transportation. The benefits of smart transportation are also part of the conceptual framework, as they are the reason why smart transportation should be a priority. However, the framework does not include challenges, and coordination and cooperation should be emphasized through stakeholder orientation. Smart transportation planning must consider these challenges to reap the full benefits of smart transportation. The literature on transportation contributes to the following framework.

Figure 2: Conceptual Framework

Methods

3.0. Methods

3.1. Study Setting

The study hinged its research on smart transportation planning in the KSA, including the factors associated with well-designed systems. Some areas also analyzed during the study comprised well-planned transport systems' benefits and cornerstones. Another area that formed the focus of this research is the challenges caused by ineffective planning in the transportation sector. It is pivotal to explain that the area where the research hinged its assessment is KSA. The study closely examined the transportation sector in the kingdom and its alignment with the modern standards evident in other economies of the world. Countries like China, the United States, and others in Europe formed the yardsticks of comparison due to their efficient transport systems. A close assessment of the transportation sector in these regions provided insights into the factors that KSA can undertake to upgrade its transport systems. In effect, modernization of the transportation sector is one of the factors that can advance the placement of a nation alongside others in the globe.

Research The research design utilized followed the main aim of smart planning in transportation with the intent of maximizing the benefits generated from well-designed transport systems. For a compelling analysis of data, the study utilized a qualitative style and followed the format of a systematic literature review. The research design employed originated through a careful examination of information sources. The sources selected were the result of the choice to use a qualitative research design. Mohamed Shaffril et al. (2021) explain that qualitative research design utilizes a systematic literature review to identify the relevant sources useful for the study. Such a research design differs from the quantitative style because of reliance on secondary data from credible and valid articles. The move is unlike quantitative research, where scholars collect information from primary sources using questionnaires, interviews, and even online reviews. Therefore, using qualitative research, the study utilized well-drafted articles with relevant information on the smart planning of transportation systems. For a compelling analysis, the study chose KSA and analyzed its transportation sector in line with the global modernization economies.

3.2. Data Collection and Analysis

The data collection process followed an intensive format where credible and valid articles materialized. Due to the qualitative research style, the choice of secondary materials needed to be modern and relevant. Some components helpful in the examination of reliable articles comprised the thematic analysis. Kiger and Varpio (2020) assert that through thematic analysis, it was easy to choose suitable articles and books from reliable platforms. The selection utilized keywords such as thoughtful planning, transportation, transport modes, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, air, water, land, and railway. Other keywords used included airports, waterways, technology, and globalization. These keywords helped in the selection of sources with information that could advance the quality of the articles selected. With reliable details from journals, websites, and books, it became easy to analyze the issue of smart transportation in KSA and even globally. The process of collecting data was strategic and entailed a close examination of sources using the highlighted keywords.

The selection of journals, websites, and books occurred through an assessment of reliable platforms. Google Scholar, Elsevier, and Google Books comprised some of the sites visited during the course of data selection and analysis. Martín-Martín et al. (2021) explain that Google Scholar, Elsevier, and Google Books are among the sites visited by individuals when searching for credible sources. The researcher keyed in the themes and keywords into the platforms and chose those that were relevant to the topic under review. Out of the many references that appeared when the researcher searched them using keywords and themes, few materialized. Those that did not materialize were too general, had irrelevant information, or covered information about transport sectors in other countries besides KSA.

Afterward, the sources became subjects of close analysis to evaluate their significance and how they would best fit into the various sections of the research. Another helpful aspect in the process of data selection and analysis is the date of publication. For the creation of a practical study, the researcher chose sources drafted within the last five years. The desire to select the latest sources originated from the realization that the issue under review demands information on events that occurred in the 21st century. Technological advances and the desire to shift from conventional to smart transportation are moves that have happened in the 21st century.

As indicated in the Prisma model (Figure 3), the sources identified in various search sites were 100. However, upon a close screening, 30 did not meet the desired standards in terms of coverage because they were general. On the other hand, 40 did not meet the required timelines because they were published five years later. Out of the 30 that remained after screening, only six were eligible for use in the study. The other sources provided information that supported the primary issue under review.

Articles collected through online searches 100Articles collected through online searches 100

Figure 3: Prisma Model on Smart Transportation Planning in KSAFigure 3: Prisma Model on Smart Transportation Planning in KSAChallenges faced by the transport sector in KSAChallenges faced by the transport sector in KSAEligible Sources6Eligible Sources6Screened Text20 excluded (General)Screened Text20 excluded (General)Screened Text 40 excluded (publication date)Screened Text 40 excluded (publication date)Smart transportation Planning in KSASmart transportation Planning in KSABenefits of smart transportation planning in KSABenefits of smart transportation planning in KSA

The selection of literature and review has been there throughout the paper. These eligible sources are specific ones, and overall, the research cites lots of research studies. It has enabled the researchers to meet research objectives and identify challenges faced by the sector. It has also helped to present benefits and other factors playing their role around smart transportation in the kingdom.

3.2.1. Table on Source Selection

Of the six eligible sources, as indicated in Table 4, one had information on the benefits that effective smart transport planning could generate in the economic, tourism, and social sectors. The second reference revolved around the challenges affecting the smart planning of transportation in KSA's railway sector. On the other hand, the third, fourth, and fifth sources had information on the challenges KSA experiences in its transportation sector. The challenges discussed in these articles covered all modes: road, air, railway, and maritime. The sixth reference used in the analysis hinged its discussion on the factors that could help in planning smart transportation in KSA. The arguments from the chosen articles informed their selection and eventual use in the research on smart transportation planning and its challenges in KSA. The following Table 4 contains key case studies referring to the benefits, challenges, and planning aspects of smart transportation in KSA. These are key studies, while the above sections preset a comprehensive set of studies on the topic.

Table 4: Smart Transportation Planning in KSA

3.3. Results

The study sought to understand the significance of smart transportation planning in deriving the benefits enjoyed from safe, fast, and convenient modes of transport. The sources used in the research had their studies revolve around the transport systems and the benefits of effective planning in the sector. Research from developed countries indicates that with effective organization from the relevant stakeholders, the attainment of high-end transport offerings becomes realistic (Doheim et al., 2019). Throughout the review, the sources revealed that when countries work on their modes of transport, such as the roads, railways, air, and water, they enjoy maximum benefits. High employment and investment opportunities and increased revenues to the respective countries comprise the benefits derived from a well-planned transport sector, as evidenced by sources outlined in the study (Alanazi, 2023). Such revelations from the sources resonate well with the desire that informed the development of research on smart transportation planning in countries such as KSA. Thus, results show how the research has responded to meet its objectives. There has been an explanation of how smart transportation is in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. It benefits the economy and society of the kingdom, but there are numerous challenges as well.

Other findings from the reviewed sources are one of the challenges affecting the implementation of effective plans in the transport sector. The references provided helpful insights regarding the different issues that affect the quest to achieve smart transportation systems in places like KSA. In KSA, the sources indicated that its road transport has frequent accidents, traffic congestion, and high death rates (Jamal, Rahman et al., 2020). On the other hand, the railway sector suffers from regular displacement of sand dunes by storms and complex terrain (Almujibah et al., 2022). Sources also revealed that the industry also suffers from limited demand from individuals who prefer vehicles. The airport and maritime sectors also need high scrutiny, as seen from the analyzed sources. From the findings of the sources under review, the airport and maritime sector of KSA faces challenges such as the limited number of skilled human resources and challenges with funds and resources (Chaouk et al., 2019). It is pivotal to understand that the paper centered its study on the performance of smart transportation in KSA. Therefore, by assessing the challenges affecting the transportation sector, the results from the sources become reliable and practical.

3.4. Discussion

Notably, as revealed from the findings in the sources, transport is an integral aspect needed for nations' political, economic, social, and technological growth. When people move from one place to another easily, the level of development progresses considerably. Ineffective transport systems discourage investment and inhibit growth, as witnessed in many third-world nations. Research studies have also confirmed that excellent transportation attracts investment, as developed countries are examples of this case. Many emerging countries like India present challenges to getting foreign direct investment, partly because of the lack of efficient transportation. The research provides valuable insights concerning the relationship between careful and well-crafted transportation systems. From the study, it is clear that smart transportation networks require intensive organization that incorporates input from all the relevant stakeholders. Unlike in the past, modern societies rely on safe, fast, and convenient transport networks to undertake their activities. The advent of globalization and other technical advances have changed the preferences of individuals (Aina, 2017). As such, people avoid places characterized by ineffective transport systems and move to areas with advanced and well-planned transport modes. Evidence of preference for places with smart and well-planned road networks is visible from the high immigration to regions such as Dubai, the United States, and some European and Asian countries.

Another feature evident from the research is KSA's challenges as it strives to introduce smart transport in the country. Complex terrain, sandstorms, and low demand from the target market comprise some challenges faced by KSA as it focuses on addressing railway transport (Almujibah et al., 2022). Additionally, the country also faces issues regarding the high deaths and congestion on its roads. Besides, the study also reveals that the country needs additional funding to increase the resources in the airport and maritime sectors. These resources will also address the minimal number of skilled employees required to implement the requirements of smart transportation in the country (Doheim et al., 2019). The explanation of challenges in planning the KSA transportation sector is integral in helping the relevant stakeholders make timely decisions. These decisions will foster the country's quest to achieve smart transport requirements as posited in its Vision 2030 blueprint.

3.4.1. Source Analysis

A close analysis of the information from various sources reveals that transport is integral to KSA. Ali and Salameh (2021) support the argument on the significance of smart transportation planning in KSA's economic, social, and political progress. Ali and Salameh (2021) claim that improving the transport sector in the region will increase tourism levels and advance the country's economic, political, and social status. On the other hand, the International Trade Administration (2023) proves that the road system in KSA contributes immensely to the country's progress. Such sentiments are also in line with the assertions presented by Grant (2023) and Shahid (2023), who outline the initiatives taken by various stakeholders to improve the transport sector. According to the report by Grant (2023), the initiatives by the investors take the industry closely to the tenets espoused in smart transportation.

While many findings from the sources align well with my standpoint, others do not. One of the sources that has information that contrasts with others was drafted by the International Trade Administration (2023). Notably, findings by the International Trade Administration (2023) show that the transport sector in KSA continues to flourish. The report does not align with the results from scholars like Grant (2023) and Altuwaijri (2019). Unlike the International Trade Administration, these authors have different results, which show that the transport sector in Saudi Arabia is not doing well and needs timely redress measures.

3.5. Recommendations

Some of the recommendations that are helpful in elevating the gains generated from the smart transportation system in KSA include stakeholder involvement and effective planning. The two propositions are essential and will be practical in the attainment of the desired outcomes of smart transportation. It is pivotal to explain that stakeholder involvement is a critical aspect that defines the progress of smart transportation in KSA. While the government is among the stakeholders in the team of smart transportation planning, its sole input is insufficient. The skills held by other stakeholders in the private and public sectors are necessary to achieve the objectives needed for smart transportation. Many prosperous nations currently enjoy the gains sourced from smart transportation due to the adherence to the policy of inclusivity. Through participation, all stakeholders advance their knowledge on various facets of transport, all of which improve the sector's development scale. The move to ensure stakeholder involvement at all the stages of planning and development of smart transportation in KSA helps attain the benefits derived afterward. It can happen by ensuring training and development for stakeholders. Their active participation should come with their capacity building and strengthening of their abilities. For this purpose, the official strategy should be there.

The second initiative that can be significant in meeting the set objectives of the smart transportation sector is careful planning. Smart transportation is a critical component that defines the success or failure of a country. Nations must ensure that they carefully assess all the processes espoused in developing infrastructure to support smart transport. Intensive planning is vital in ensuring that all the activities that lead to the creation of smart transportation infrastructure. Careful planning occurs through all the stages of the implementation of smart transport in KSA. Haphazard planning can lead to ineffective transportation and discourage individuals from investing in the respective regions. On the other hand, well-designed plans enable governments to develop blueprints that facilitate the development of high-end transport models. In KSA, careful planning will help them realize the objectives of Vision 2030. Therefore, planning is a critical recommendation to help KSA achieve its smart transportation objectives. The planning is the area that has been emphasized in this paper in detail. The government must undertake it with the help of input from all stakeholders. For this purpose, all stakeholders must know about the benefits and value to be derived from smart transportation.

3.6. Conclusion

Transport is an essential aspect that determines the progress or failure of a nation. Countries with well-planned transportation systems enjoy benefits such as increased investment and employment opportunities and amplified revenues. These benefits originate from the characteristics of smart transport, such as safety, speed, and convenience. When countries have such features, the respective nations will enjoy the resultant benefits. In KSA, the desire to attain a smart transportation system led to the development of Vision 2030. The country expects to achieve smart transportation through the blueprints espoused in the vision. It is pivotal to explain that smart transport in KSA can be effective when it addresses the challenges that could impair its attainment. The research has achieved its research objectives by examining smart transportation in KSA and investigating its benefits. It has covered different aspects of smart transportation and room for its deployment as well. The research has found numerous challenges for smart transportation in KSA. Challenges faced by smart transportation planning are across different modes of transport, which include transportation by air, railway, water, and road. Air transportation faces challenges in terms of insufficient funds and limited availability of skilled workforce. Railway transportation challenges are minimal habitation and low demand due to harsh terrain. Challenges faced by water transportation are marginalization and the absence of inland waterways. Road transportation challenges include accidents and traffic congestion. Smart transportation in the kingdom faces considerable challenges, especially related to infrastructure. However, the kingdom has a long way to go to embrace these challenges and reap maximum benefits from this opportunity. Challenges in the road, railway, air, and maritime sectors need careful planning and stakeholder involvement for effective implementation. With such initiatives, it becomes easy for KSA to address challenges caused by ineffective transport and meet the benefits sourced from smart transportation planning.

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