Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

2025/11/05

Statistical Presentation

Data description

Road Transport Statistics publication presents up-to-date statistics and indicators on land transport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A product for which data is collected through administrative records on the main characteristics is as follows:
•    Passenger traffic on roads.
•    Freight traffic on roads.
•    Land transport infrastructure.
•    Ride-Hailing.
•    Traffic safety. 
•    Registered vehicles.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in Road Transport Statistics.
The National Classification for Economic Activities (ISIC4):
It is a statistical classification based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4), used to describe the productive activities of an establishment. 
National Code of Countries and Nationalities (3166 ISO – codes Country):
A statistical classification based on the international standard  (ISO 3166_Country codes), which is a standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO of the UN), and this classification gives numeric and literal codes for the world’s (248) countries, based on the classification of countries. 
The classification is used in the Road Transport Statistics to classify Saudi or non-Saudi individuals.
Harmonized System (HS)  (H.S.2022):
Commodity export and import data are based on the Harmonized System (H.S.2022) of the World Trade Organization (WCO), a table of description and classification of goods that includes sub-items.
Classification of countries:
The countries are classified into groups of countries by continents or by common elements as follows:
•    GCC Countries.
•    Arab countries, excluding the GCC countries.
•    Islamic countries, excluding Arab countries.
•    Asian countries, excluding Arab and Islamic countries.
•    African countries, excluding Arab and Islamic countries.
•    Countries of Australia and the Pacific part.
•    Countries of North America.
•    Countries of South America.
•    Countries of the European Union.
•    Countries of Europe, excluding countries of the European Union.
Metadata is collected through registry data sources to ensure that outputs are produced for all relevant classifications.
Classifications are available on the GASTAT website:   www.stats.gov.sa

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terminologies and concepts of the Road Transport Statistics publication:
•    Road:
An open transportation route for the use of motorized vehicles, excluding railways and
airport runways. It includes paved roads and other fixed-base roads such as gravel roads. It
covers streets, bridges, tunnels, supporting structures, and excludes bike lanes.
•    Road Network:
It includes all roads in a specific area, of various types, and can be classified by surface into paved and unpaved roads.
•    Paved Road:
Roads covered with crushed stones and hydrocarbon-based or bitumen materials, either with concrete or gravel.
•    Unpaved Road:
A road with a solid base that is not paved with crushed stone, hydrocarbon- or bitumen-based materials, or concrete, but may be surfaced with gravel.
•    Roads by Engineering Classification between cities:
It refers to the classification based on its geometric representation in nature and the types derived from it:
-   Highway: A road divided into multiple lanes and designed to accommodate high traffic flow at high speeds. Such roads have priority in traffic, with isolated intersection crossings from the main path.
-    Dual Carriageway: A two-way road separated by a median strip or a concrete barrier, with at-grade intersections.
-    Single Carriageway: A two-way road without a median strip.
•    Roads by functional classification between cities:
This classification is based on the principle that each road has a starting point and an endpoint. The main directions of the roads run from south to north and from west to east, with the starting point located in the south or west and the endpoint in the north or east. The types include: 
-    Chairman: Connects major cities and regions of the country, identified by a number or two numbers, such as Road 40, which connects Jeddah, Riyadh, and
Dammam. International roads are considered major roads and are designated by letter and number, such as the M50 and M45
-    Secondary Road: Connects cities and provinces and then connects them to the main road network, identified by three numbers, such as Road 535, which connects several roads along its route to Road 65.
-    Branch Road: These are roads that connect villages, hamlets, farms, and other areas. They are designated by four-digit numbers and may be linked to secondary and main roads. Examples include Road No. 5981, Road No. 4272, and Road No. 5615, which connect several villages and farms with one another and link them to Road No. 40 and Road No. 50.

•    Roads within cities are classified into:
-    Regional road: The roads located outside urban areas and therefore fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services.
-    Highway: The highway is divided into multiple routes and is designed to accommodate heavy traffic moving at high speeds. This type of road has absolute priority for traffic, with intersections separated from the main route.
-    Main road: Also known as an 'arterial road,' it is the road that carries the main traffic flow and may have either at-grade or grade-separated intersections.
-    Major street: A major urban road located within cities or residential areas, characterized by the presence of commercial and service activities along both sides of it. Main streets are usually multi-lane to facilitate traffic flow and often serve local traffic and commuting within cities.
-    Collector street: A collector road carries traffic from local and neighboring roads to higher-level roads as well as continuous traffic.
-    Local road: The roads that are used to serve inner residential areas.

•    Vehicle:
Any means of transportation designed to travel on wheels or tracks and powered by mechanical or animal force, excluding trains.
•    Private vehicle:
A car designed for personal use to transport passengers and their belongings without
charge.
•    Taxi:
A car designed for transporting passengers and their belongings for a fee, with a capacity
of no more than eight people.
•    Bus:
A car designed for transporting passengers and their belongings for a fee, with a capacity of no more than eight people. It is divided into two types:
-    Public bus: For transporting passengers and their belongings for a fee.
-    Private bus: For transporting passengers and their belongings without charge.
•    Transport:
A vehicle designed to transport animals and goods, divided into two types:
-    Public transport: for transporting animals, goods, and cargo for a fee.
-    Private transport: for transporting animals, goods, and cargo without charge.

•    Motorcycle:
Any vehicle with two or more wheels equipped with a motor, designed to transport people
or goods, and may have a sidecar, not designed in the form of a car.
•    Machinery:
Equipment and machines that operate under self-propulsion, including agricultural equipment.
•    Road accidents:
Any incident involving at least one moving vehicle or its load, resulting in human or material damages, or both, without intent.
•    Minor road accident:
An accident that results in damage to private or public property and may cause minor injuries that do not require hospitalization.

•    Serious road accident:
An accident that results in fatalities, injuries that require hospitalization or both or serious damage.
•    Fatality in road accidents:
Any person who dies immediately or within 30 days of the date of the accident.
•    Injured person in road accidents:
Any accident that results in at least one injury is divided into three categories:
-    Minor Injury: Any injured person receiving treatment at the scene of the incident without the need for ambulance transport.
-    Moderate Injury: Any injured person is transported to the hospital for a period not exceeding 24 hours as a result of the traffic accident.
-    Serious injury: Any injured person is transported to the hospital for a period exceeding 24 hours as a result of the traffic accident.
•    Driver's license:
An official document issued by the relevant authority or a recognized foreign entity,
proving that the holder is qualified to drive one or more types of vehicles.
•    Passenger:
Anyone presents in a means of transport, boarding or disembarking from it, other than the
driver. 
•    Land road transport:
Includes the transport of passengers and goods within cities and suburbs, between cities, or internationally.
•    Arriving passengers:
Those arriving through land ports.
•    Departing passengers:
Those departing from land ports.
•    Ride-Hailing:
The activity of transporting passengers by directing private taxis or private cars for a fee through smart device applications.
•    Passenger transport activity by buses within cities:
Operating public transportation by buses within cities
•    Specialized bus transportation activity:
Transporting passengers by buses under a transportation contract and according to agreed schedules without adhering to specific routes, for a fee. This includes, but is not limited to, transporting individuals or groups for purposes such as Hajj, Umrah, visits, tourism, entertainment, or work.
•    Bus rental activity:
Renting buses with or without a driver under a rental contract for a fee.
•    Bus route activity:
Electronic mediation for bus routing through smartphone applications for passenger transport for a fee.
•    International bus transportation activity:
Transporting passengers by buses to/from outside the country.
•    Educational bus transportation activity:
Transporting students and students of governmental and private educational institutions, as well as their staff including teachers, administrative personnel, and those in similar roles. This includes nurseries, kindergartens, schools at all educational levels, colleges, institutes, Quran memorization centers, universities, and similar institutions, using vehicles equipped for this purpose.

•    Activities of the taxi sector and taxi intermediaries, including activities licensed by Transport  General Authority:
Public taxi, airport taxi, private taxi, family taxi, and taxi brokerage activity.

•    Car rental sector activities and rental intermediaries:
These include activities licensed by Transport General Authority: Category (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e).
•    Cargo transportation on land routes:
Transporting cargo by trucks on roads for a fee.

•    Freight forwarders (logistics):
Arranging the transportation of goods from the sender to the recipient and managing and planning the supporting operations for cargo transportation.
•    Truck rental activity:
Renting a cargo truck without a driver under a rental contract for a fee.
•    Vehicle transport and towing activity:
Transportation of vehicles and towing of vehicles on roads using transportation and/or towing vehicles for a fee.
•    Domestic parcel transportation activity:
Transportation of postal parcels in a local area.
•    Local and international parcel transportation activity:
Transportation of postal parcels within local and international.
•    Freight vehicle routing activity:
Conducting the activity through a technical system or call center for the purpose of mediating the transport of specific cargo using a vehicle for the benefit of a client.
•    The activity of operating truck parking lots:
It is the operation of truck parking lots at the entrances of cities and highways to ensure the provision of the best services and reduce the random presence of trucks, which enhances security and safety, preserves the environment, and reduces traffic congestion.

•    Light freight transportation activity:
Transportation of goods on roads by light transport vehicles for a fee.
•    Tons:
A unit of measurement that equals 1,000 kilograms, and the ton is primarily used as a unit
of mass measurement, as well as a unit of size.
•    Kilometer:
An international unit of measurement for length in the metric system, equal to 1,000 meters or 0.62 miles, and it is the unit used to measure distances between geographical locations on the earth in most countries.
•    Exports and imports:
The transactions and commercial movements between countries for the exchange of various productive goods and services in order to exchange benefits and meet the general needs of the countries. 
•    Periodic vehicle inspection:
A mandatory and regulated procedure aimed at verifying the safety of vehicles and their roadworthiness.

Data sources

Road Transport Statistics rely on a variety of data sources, including administrative records available from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, the Transport General Authority, the General Authority for Roads, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Ministerial Committee for Traffic Safety, the General Department of Traffic, the General Directorate of Passports, NEOM Company, and statistical models used in spatial analysis. They also draw on supporting secondary sources, such as population census data and the administrative boundaries of regions. The purpose of this diversity in sources is to enhance the accuracy of analysis and the comprehensiveness of spatial coverage.
The main published variables from the administrative data source are:
•    Passenger traffic on roads.
•    Freight traffic on roads.
•    Land transport infrastructure.
•    Ride-Hailing.
•    Traffic safety.
•    Registered vehicles.
The main variables published from the statistical models used in spatial analysis and from secondary data:
•    Road network density by area at the administrative region level.
•    Road network density by population at the administrative region level.
•    Road lengths by administrative regions.

Designing the data collection tool

Not applicable.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Not applicable.

Statistical population

The target statistical population for Road transport statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia consists of:
Infrastructure and equipment, licensed establishments engaged in land transport activities, and traffic volumes of passengers and goods.

Sample Design

Not applicable.

Statistical unit (sampling unit)

The authority responsible for Land Transport services (whether for passenger or freight transport or infrastructure), which serves as the primary source of data related to traffic, volumes, and performance.

Data collection

Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with the relevant departments of the Authority and the Data Collection Department, the administrative record data for the Road Transport Statistics publication is obtained from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, the Transport General Authority, the General Authority for Roads, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Ministerial Committee for Traffic Safety, the General Department of Traffic, the General Directorate of Passports, and NEOM Company. These records include data on passenger and freight movement on roads, road transport infrastructure, in addition to statistical data on Road Transport. 
The data is stored in the authority's databases after undergoing auditing and review processes following approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. If errors or discrepancies are discovered, the data is cross-referenced with the data source for correction or clarification.

Data collection frequency 

The data collection process for Road Transport Statistics is carried out on an annual basis.

Reference area

The Road Transport Statistics publication covers 13 administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Reference period (time reference)

Data from administrative records are based on the last day of the reference year.

Base period

Not applicable.

Measurement unit

•    Most results are measured by numbers (such as:  Number of accidents and number of passengers. 
•    Some indicators are calculated as rates in tons (such as: Freight volume).
•    Some results are measured in kilometers (such as: Road lengths).

Time coverage

Data is available for some indicators as a time series from 2015 to 2024.

Publication frequency

The results of Road Transport Statistics are published on an annual basis in accordance with the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

The data is reviewed and validated to ensure its accuracy in a manner appropriate to its nature, to enhance the quality and accuracy of the statistics provided. 
The current year’s publication data is compared with the previous year’s data to ensure its validity and consistency in preparation for data processing, extracting results, and reviewing them.
In addition to the data processing and tabulation to check their accuracy, all the outputs are stored and uploaded to the database after being calculated by GASTAT to be reviewed and processed by specialists in Health and Education Statistics through modern technologies and software designed for this purpose.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

A number of Road Transport Statistics indicators are calculated using spatial and statistical modeling:
Data sources:
•    Road lengths outside urban areas from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services and NEOM Company.
•    Road lengths within urban areas from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing.
•    Population estimates.
•    Administrative boundaries of regions and governorates.
Spatial and statistical modeling:
•    Combining road data and removing duplication.
•    Calculation of road density for each administrative region.
•    Calculation of road lengths by administrative regions.
•    Calculation of road network density by population at the administrative region level.
Calculated indicators or variables:
•    Road network density by area at the administrative region level.
•    Road network density by population at the administrative region level.
•    Road lengths by administrative regions.
Applied statistical estimation:
The General Authority for Statistics relied on the approved formulas to calculate the key indicators of Road Transport Statistics as follows:
Road network density per capita by administrative region = length of the road network in the administrative region / population of the administrative region. 

Imputation and calibration

Not applicable

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable, only final results will be published.

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that indicates how well the product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

Internal users at GASTAT of the Road Transport Statistics publication data:
•    Tourism, Hajj, and Umrah Statistics.
•    International Indicators Department.
Several external users and beneficiaries greatly benefit from the Road Transport Statistics publication data, including:
•    Government entities.
•    Regional and international organizations.
•    Research institutions.
•    Media.
•    Individuals.
 The disseminated key variables that are mostly used by external users:

Completeness 

  The data in the Road Transport Statistics publication is based primarily on administrative records, statistical models used in spatial analysis, as well as supporting secondary sources such as population census data and other related official data. This approach aims to provide comprehensive information on Road transport with complete data coverage.

Accuracy and reliability 

A standard that measures how close the calculations or estimates are to the exact or true values that reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

•    Data is checked with previous years to identify any significant changes in the data.
•    The internal consistency of the data is checked before it is finalized.
•    The relationships between variables are examined, and consistency between different data series is verified.

Timeliness and punctuality 

A standard that measures the time gap between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
However, timeliness reflects the time difference between the date of data publication and the target date when it is actually published.

Timeliness 

The General Authority for Statistics is committed to applying internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement, clarification of the time of publishing statistics on its official website, as outlined in the statistical calendar, as well as adhering to the announced time of publication. In the event of any delay, updates will be provided accordingly.

Punctuality 

The publication takes place according to the published release dates on the statistical calendar for the Road Transport Statistics publication on the website of the General Authority for Statistics.
The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar, If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.

Coherence and comparability

A standard that refers to the necessity of internal and temporal consistency of statistics, their logical coherence, and their comparability and integration across different regions and sources.

Comparability - geographical

The data follows unified international definitions and standards, ensuring their comparability across geographical areas.

Comparability - over time 

 The data is comparable over time, as no changes have been made to the methodology used.

Coherence- Cross domain

The same definitions and classifications are used when comparing road transport with other modes of transport, as a unified definition of the passenger transport indicator is applied across the publications of road transport, railway transport, air transport, and maritime transport statistics to facilitate comparison.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

The publication is released annually only.

Coherence- National Accounts 

Not applicable

Coherence- Internal 

Road Transport Statistics data is characterized by a high degree of internal consistency, as logical checks and multiple verification procedures are applied to ensure the validity of relationships between variables. For example, the total lengths of roads by category are compared with the overall network total, in addition to verifying that the sum of values at the regional level is consistent with the national total. 

Accessibility and clarity

The ability for users to access data, the availability of accurate or complete data, and the availability of a methodology and quality report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 9.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link: 
Press release

Publications

The General Authority for Statistics regularly issues publications and reports on Road Transport Statistics according to a pre-prepared release schedule, and they are published on the Authority’s website. The Authority is keen to publish its results in a way that serves all types of users, including publications in various formats containing publication tables, data graphs, indicators, and methodology and quality reports in both English and Arabic.
The results of the Road Transport Statistics are available at:
Statistics

On-line database

Not available.

Microdata accessibility

Not available.

References and standards

The General Authority for Statistics adopts a unified methodology in carrying out all its statistical work, according to the nature of each statistical product. It relies on the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM), which aligns with the procedures adopted by international organizations, and is implemented in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the quality and efficiency of statistical operations. For more details, you can refer to the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM) via the following link:

Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)
Regarding the definitions and concepts used, Railway Transport Statistics are based on the Transport Statistics Glossary, a document prepared by the joint working group between the secretariats of Eurostat, the International Transport Forum, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe – fourth edition: https://laws.boe.gov.sa/BoeLaws/Laws/Viewer/24e8fb60-1ac6-4f6f-aaae-d9fc5faee3f3?lawId=85364e57-c01e-41ba-8def-a9a700f183e9.

Quality assurance

GASTAT considers the following principles: Impartiality, ensuring that the statistical product is user-oriented, maintaining the quality of processes and outputs, enhancing the effectiveness of statistical operations, and reducing the burden on respondents. 
Data is validated through procedures and quality controls that are applied during the process at various stages, such as: (data entry, data collection, and other final controls).

Quality assessment

GASTAT performs all statistical activities according to a national model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final stage of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each stage or sub-process. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report, which outlines all the quality issues related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality - Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data were displayed in appropriate tables to facilitate their summarization, comprehension, and results extraction. Also, to compare data with other data and extract statistical meanings for the study community. It is also easier to check tables without the need to see any sensitive or confidential data, which violates the confidentiality of statistical data.

Publishing policy

Statistical calendar

 Road Transport Statistics have been included in the statistical calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet its clients' needs, so it immediately provides them with the results once the Road Transport Statistics Publication is published.
It also receives questions and inquiries from clients about the publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official e-mail address:   info@stats.gov.sa
•    Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•    Official letters.
•    Statistical telephone: (199009).