Implementing Intelligent Transport System (ITS) presents many challenges despite its potential to enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and improve traffic management in urban regions. Previous research has focused on investigating the obstacles associated with implementing ITS in particular settings. However, a more all-encompassing comprehension of the effects of these challenges on intelligent urban mobility is required. The objective of this research is to examine the obstacles that affect the execution of ITS within the context of intelligent urban mobility. The present study makes a scholarly contribution by identifying and analyzing the key challenges that hinder the execution of ITS for intelligent urban mobility. The research utilized both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to examine the data obtained from a questionnaire survey administered to professionals in transport and urban planning. The findings suggest that the successful implementation of ITS for smart urban mobility is significantly influenced by various challenges, including technical, resource-related, interoperability, management, personal, and economic factors. The results of the study have various implications for management. Urban planners and transport professionals must prioritize resolving the challenges identified in this study to ensure the successful implementation of ITS. The study's sample was limited to professionals exclusively from the transport and urban planning sectors, thereby precluding the inclusion of viewpoints from other relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, the research was constrained to a particular geographical area. Subsequent research endeavors may consider enlarging the sample size and extending the geographic range to enhance the applicability of the results. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd