Development of “Easy-Move” Platform for Optimizing Public and Private Transportation in Riyadh: Toward a Mobility-as-a-Service Approach

This study presents the design and development of Easy-Move, a prototype Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform tailored to the urban mobility challenges of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The city faces high dependence on private vehicles, limited multimodal connectivity, and underutilized public transport options. In response, Easy-Move proposes a unified digital platform that enables users to plan, book, and pay for entire multimodal trips—metro, bus, ride-hailing, and micro-mobility—through a single interface and a unified QR ticket. The system integrates real geospatial data from central and northern Riyadh, providing users with three personalized route options—fastest, cheapest, and most comfortable—based on their preferences. The prototype was developed using a Flask-based web application, incorporating session-based personalization and a simulation-driven backend for route planning and payment logic. Basic user testing and survey responses were used to assess usability and behavioral interest in multimodal travel. Basic user testing involving 20 participants showed high satisfaction with trip planning and route comparison features, with average ratings exceeding 4.3 out of 5 for usability and performance. Compared to global platforms like Whim and Citymapper, Easy-Move offers a more localized, Vision 2030-aligned solution for the Saudi context. It contributes to Saudi national goals for reducing traffic congestion, increasing public transport use, and advancing smart city initiatives. The research underscores the relevance of user-centered smart mobility in emerging cities.