Traffic Conditions in Emerging University Campuses: King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Universities worldwide face growing problems of traffic congestion and parking shortages due to the increased usage of private automobiles and the decline of public and non-motorized transport systems. This paper addresses transportation system challenges facing university campuses. As a case study, it addresses King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. The fast growth of King Saud University Campus during the last 5 years had profound impacts on its transportation system.The study adopts two methodological approaches. Theoretically it reviews and analyzes several studies and published reports related to KSU campus and other international campuses. The empirical approach emphasizes the analysis of field data gathered by relevant KSU departments. The paper intends to analyze changes in traffic conditions and transportation systems within the KSUC and draw conclusions on the current and future issues facing the campus and other similar campuses. For a more sustainable campus, KSU has to adopt a balanced transportation system. The new system should not be based solely on improving vehicular circulation and parking provisions. It should enhance public transportation and pedestrian environment within the campus. The university should embark new sustainable policies to curtail demand on vehicular trips and parking spaces and increasingly rely on environmental-friendly modes of travel.