Riyadh Metro Expands with Red and Green Lines - Now 135.7 km Network Operational

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Metro Rail Today): The city of Riyadh has reached a major milestone today with the official launch of the Red Line (Line 2) and Green Line (Line 5) of the Riyadh Metro, marking a significant step in the development of the city’s public transportation network. These new additions will provide enhanced connectivity for residents, commuters, and visitors, further supporting Riyadh’s goal to modernize its infrastructure in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.

Key Features of the New Metro Lines:

• Red Line (Line 2): This line spans 25.1 kilometers along King Abdullah Road, featuring 15 stations. It enhances east-west connectivity, making travel across Riyadh more convenient and efficient.
• Green Line (Line 5): Covering 13.3 kilometers along King Abdulaziz Road, this line includes 12 stations and will significantly improve north-south travel within the capital.

These newly operational lines are part of the broader Riyadh Metro Project, a visionary project that includes six metro lines, totaling 176 kilometers and 84 stations. When fully complete, the metro will transform Riyadh’s public transport landscape, reducing traffic congestion, cutting carbon emissions, and offering a reliable alternative to private car travel.

Phase One Success & Upcoming Milestones

The Riyadh Metro project took a major leap forward with the launch of its first phase on December 1, 2024, introducing the Blue, Purple, and Yellow Lines with 97.5 km metro network to the public. In its opening week, the metro system saw 1.9 million passengers, with the Purple Line emerging as the most popular route.

Looking ahead, the final phase of the metro project will be realized with the opening of the Orange Line on January 5, 2025, completing the entire metro network. The completion of these phases marks the beginning of a new era in urban mobility for Riyadh, one that prioritizes sustainability, efficiency, and reduced congestion.

Metro Operating Hours and Future Benefits

The Riyadh Metro operates from 6 a.m. to midnight, offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to driving. As the metro network reaches full operational capacity, it is expected to cater to 3.6 million passengers per day, drastically reducing the number of private car trips in the city. This is set to eliminate nearly 250,000 car trips daily, cutting down 400,000 liters of fuel consumption each day and reducing harmful air pollutants.

The Metro Project: A Global Effort

The Riyadh Metro is part of the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, and when completed, it will be the world’s longest driverless metro system. The $22.5 billion project, which began construction in 2014, was executed by an international consortium of leading construction and engineering firms, including Bechtel, Almabani General Contractors, Samsung C&T, Webuild, and Larsen & Toubro.

Once fully operational, the Riyadh Metro will integrate seamlessly with an 85-kilometer Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network, further improving transportation efficiency and connectivity across the city.

Transforming Riyadh’s Transport Landscape

The Riyadh Metro is not just a transport system—it is a key component of Riyadh’s urban transformation. By offering a fast, reliable, and sustainable mode of transport, the metro project is set to shape the future of the city, supporting both its economic growth and quality of life for its citizens. As the city continues to expand, the Riyadh Metro will play a vital role in meeting the transportation needs of its rapidly growing population.

With the full completion of the metro system expected by early 2025, Riyadh is on track to become a leader in sustainable urban mobility, setting a new benchmark for cities across the region and the world.