Saudi Arabia's highway system has evolved from less then 230 km in 1953 to now over 46,000 km of paved highways. After establishing principle connections between major cities, emphasis has been shifted towards the development of a whole road network that provides much needed access to all communities throughout the country. Road transport has emerged as the principletransportation mode and the level of motorization is following those of developed economies. In addition rail, air and maritime transport are playing an increasing role and the evolution of a comprehensive operations and maintenance capability for these transport modes, their intermodal integration, and strengthening of regulatory systems are considered to be important tasks. Growing income levels have advanced Saudi Arabia to the group ofhigh income countries. Thus, demands on the transportation sector are those of a maturing economy that is seeking a sustainable growth pattern and its competitive role in the increasingly globalizing world. Against this backdrop, sustainable road transport development in Saudi Arabia can only happen on the basis of comprehensive planning, effective and efficient operation and maintenance, as well as considering future development needs. The Ministry of Transport is responsible for the regional land transport infrastructure and the municipalities for urban transportation. The transportnetwork as a whole is supporting the development goals enshrined in the National Spatial Strategy for Saudi Arabia of the Ministry of Municipalities and Rural Affairs. In addition the Ministry of Economy and Planning prepares medium term National Development Plans, and periodically reviews the transport sector by undertaking the Saudi Arabia National Transportation Studies. Further, the Ministry of Transport dedicates substantial resourcesfor operation and maintenance of the national road network. Focus areas in this regard include the system of highway maintenance, traffic monitoring, road service centres, and support for the introduction of navigation services. Future challenges to the transportation sector require a comprehensive and strategic approach to the development of policies, plans and programs in an integrated manner across all modes of transportation. Therefore, the Ministry of Transport is aiming to improve its management and administrative tools as well as adopting new techniques that are needed to strengthen public administration of Saudi Arabia's transport sector. At presentthe most important focus areas of Ministry of Transport include: the development of the National Transportation Strategy for Saudi Arabia, establishing a Transport Geo Database, and developing an intelligent transport system Master Plan. For the covering abstract see ITRD E139491.
Samenvatting