The Impact of the Emerging Corona Virus (COVID-19) on rail transport demand in Saudi Arabia

(East Train as a Model)

Abstract

The study sought to monitor the impact of the Corona virus pandemic (COVID-19) on the demand of transporting passengers and goods on the East Train in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It aimed to analyze the variation in volume of pre- and post-Corona virus passenger and goods transport, to identify the groups whose use of the railway transport was affected by COVID-19, and to examine the key measures taken by Saudi Arabia Railways (“SAR”) to tackle the pandemic crisis. The study adopted a set of approaches, including the survey approach and the behavioral approach, to interpret and analyze behavior of beneficiaries of the railway transport. The study concluded that there was low demand for passenger transport on the East Train after COVID-19, as there are statistically significant differences between the average number of passengers before and after the pandemic. The study also found that key reasons that resulted in the low rate of train use are fear of infection, the high cost after applying social distancing which caused a significant decrease in the carrying capacity of trains, and curtailment of activities which became remotely conducted. In contrast, the rate of cargo shipping increased by approximately 4% compared to those made before COVID-19. The study recommends launching a national strategy to manage risks of the spread of viruses via public transportation and establishing partnership with the ministry of Tourism and General Entertainment Authority to improve the passenger experience by using smart technologies, marketing passenger transport services, and enhancing competitiveness of the railways.