Qiddiya Investment Company has joined the Google Transit partner programme, bringing Qiddiya City’s transport services and key destinations to Google Maps and giving visitors access to integrated journey-planning information.

The partnership will allow users to find recently opened attractions such as Six Flags Qiddiya City, Aquarabia waterpark and Park and Ride 1, with Google Maps directing visitors to appropriate arrival and interchange points.

The platform will also feature the Qiddiya City Bus, an intercity electric service connecting Qiddiya City with Riyadh Metro STC stations in Olaya and Jeddah Road.

As Qiddiya City expands its electric bus fleet, its Intelligent Transport Systems infrastructure will provide real-time information, including vehicle locations, estimated arrival times, timetable adherence and occupancy levels.

The integration is part of Qiddiya City’s broader connected mobility strategy, combining digital journey planning, public transport, Park and Ride facilities and real-time passenger information.

Artefact supported Qiddiya Investment Company in becoming an official Google Transit Partner by standardising its transit schedule data into the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS), the global standard for sharing transport routes, stops and schedules with third-party platforms. Artefact also conducted quality assurance with Google and Qiddiya teams.

The Google Maps integration will be introduced progressively as Qiddiya City’s transport services and destinations become operational.

Abdulrahman AlAli, Chief Technology Officer at Qiddiya Investment Company, said: “As the world’s first city Powered by Play, Qiddiya City is designed around seamless experiences, and technology is a critical enabler of that vision. By integrating our transport network with Google Transit, we are bringing together real-time data, digital innovation, and customer-centric design to make travel to and within Qiddiya City simpler, smarter, and more connected.”

Rodd Staples, Chief of Transport at Qiddiya Investment Company, said: “Making Qiddiya City easy to reach and effortless to navigate is fundamental to the experience we are creating. Our integration with Google Transit will connect customers with clear, accurate and increasingly real-time journey information from the moment they begin planning their visit.”

Geo Product Partnerships Director at Google Sarah-Jayne Williams said: “Google Maps helps people understand their transport options and navigate their journeys with confidence. We look forward to working with Qiddiya Investment Company to bring information about Qiddiya City’s growing public transport network to Google Maps and make journey planning easier for visitors.”

Managing Partner and Global Lead for Real Estate and Small Cities at Artefact Christelle Salame said: “Artefact is honoured to have supported the integration with Google Transit, a significant milestone that reflects our strategic partnership with Qiddiya Investment Company, particularly through our collaboration with the Data & AI Office. Artefact looks forward to continuing to support Qiddiya Investment Company in delivering innovative data- and AI-powered initiatives. Together, we share a commitment to advancing practical, high-impact transformation programmes that create lasting value across the organisation. -TradeArabia News Service