Geomatics-Based Approach for Assessing the Roll of Public Transportation Projects in Enhancing Urban Environment

Urban transportation is a critical component of urban sustainability due to its vital role as an integral part of city infrastructure, as well as its influence on environmental quality and public health. In rapidly growing urban areas like Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the increasing reliance on motorized vehicles has led to elevated levels of air pollution and associated health risks. In response, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) launched a series of public transportation mega-projects under the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, aiming to reduce traffic congestion, improve mobility, and mitigate environmental degradation. This paper is intended to investigate the effectiveness of urban planning in enhancing the urban environment by examining the impact of Riyadh’s new metro on air quality using remotely sensed satellite data. For this purpose, a geomatics-based approach was adopted employing satellite-based air quality observations with geographic information system (GIS) techniques for acquiring and analyzing air pollution parameters including Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and the Ultraviolet Aerosol Index (UVAI) before (January-March 2019) and after (January-March 2025) the implementation of the public transport projects. The results revealed that while aerosol levels (UVAI) increased in Riyadh by 2025, likely due to urban growth and natural dust storms, carbon monoxide (CO) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels declined, indicating improved air quality. These reductions were the most notable in districts served by the Riyadh Metro’s green, blue, and purple lines. Moreover, significant air quality improvements were noted in central and western areas, while some eastern districts have been experiencing an increasing trend of the considered pollutants. These findings highlight the effectiveness of Riyadh’s public transport projects in reducing emissions, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, and offer a model for sustainable urban development in other cities.