Alstom signs €460 million contract to supply additional Driverless Trains for Riyadh Metro

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Rail & Metro Today): Alstom has signed a contract worth approximately €460 million with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) to supply additional driverless metro trains for Riyadh Metro Lines 3, 4 and 6 in Saudi Arabia. The order will expand the existing fleet serving the Orange, Yellow and Purple lines, increasing passenger capacity and supporting more frequent services across the network.

Under the agreement, Alstom will also integrate the additional trains into the existing metro infrastructure. The company will maintain the new vehicles under its current operations and maintenance (O&M) contract covering Lines 3, 4 and 6.

The latest order marks another milestone in Alstom's long-standing partnership with RCRC and supports Riyadh's efforts to strengthen its public transport system amid growing passenger demand.

Additional Trains to Increase Capacity and Service Frequency

The new driverless trains will supplement the 116 trains previously delivered by Alstom for the Riyadh Metro network. Since passenger services commenced in late 2024, the metro has become an important component of daily transportation in the Saudi capital.

The additional fleet is expected to provide greater operational flexibility, improve passenger-carrying capacity and enable more frequent train services, particularly during peak travel periods. Higher service frequency will also help reduce passenger waiting times and improve the overall travel experience.

Mohamed Khalil, Alstom's Managing Director for the MENA Regional Headquarters, said the company was proud to continue supporting RCRC in expanding Riyadh's metro network.

He noted that the new order reflected the confidence placed in Alstom and the shared commitment to providing safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable mobility solutions for Riyadh's residents and visitors.

Metropolis Trains and Urbalis CBTC Technology

The additional vehicles will be integrated into Riyadh Metro's fully automated operating environment, combining Alstom's Metropolis driverless train technology with its Urbalis communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling system.

The combination of rolling stock and advanced signalling technology is designed to support automated train operations, improve network performance and enable shorter service intervals. The integration will be particularly relevant to the Yellow Line, which is expected to serve the city during the 2030 World Expo.

The use of CBTC technology enables continuous communication between trains and control systems, supporting precise train positioning, automated operation and efficient management of train movements. Such systems are increasingly important for high-capacity urban rail networks seeking to accommodate rising passenger demand while maintaining safety and operational reliability.

Riyadh Metro Expansion Supports Saudi Vision 2030

Riyadh Metro is a central component of Saudi Arabia's wider urban mobility transformation under Vision 2030. The network is intended to reduce dependence on private vehicles, address road congestion and provide sustainable transport options as the capital continues to grow.

The additional train order will strengthen the operational capacity of three important metro lines and help prepare the network for future passenger growth. With the 2030 World Expo expected to bring increased international attention and travel demand to Riyadh, expanding fleet capacity and improving service frequency will be important priorities.

Alstom's latest contract reinforces its role in the development and operation of Riyadh Metro. By combining additional driverless rolling stock, advanced signalling and long-term maintenance support, the company will contribute to the continued development of one of the region's major automated urban rail systems.