Efficiency of Buses in Dammam Metropolitan Area and Their Acceptance Versus Private Vehicles

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to identify major factors related to the use of public transport in Arab Gulf countries with special reference to the bus network in DMA, Saudi Arabia. The study aims to find ways through which more people may be encouraged to use public transport by looking at their satisfaction level, factors discouraging the use of buses, and what new ideas they would like to see implemented in the future. A survey was conducted among 57 participants, consisting of 36 Saudis and 21 non-Saudis. The findings indicate that 70.2% of respondents have used buses as a mode of transportation, with non-Saudis more reliant on buses due to lower income levels and cultural factors, such as privacy concerns for women. Specific areas that need to be upgraded according to the bus users include more frequent services 66.7%, better routes 82.4%, improved punctuality 56.9%, and enhanced safety measures 39.2%. There is also shown a need for the gender segregation of compartments where 51% of respondents stated a need for gender segregation in public transport. The research therefore highlights the importance of supplying practical, cultural, and social demands in transport with the aim of enhancing usage in the region. In light of this, the enhancements, when targeted to the demographic and cultural physiognomies of Dammam, are useful to present and future decision- makers and city shapers for a better bus public transport network. Besides, the study advances the knowledge base of public transportation issues in the Arab Gulf States and recommends ways