Riyadh Metro set to open first Three Lines of its 176 kilometres metro rail network

(Representative Image)

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Metro Rail Today): The long-awaited Riyadh Metro will officially open its doors to the public on November 27, 2024, marking a major milestone for the city’s transport infrastructure. Saudi officials confirmed on social media that three of the six lines in the metro network, which spans a total of 176 kilometers and includes 84 stations, will begin operations this week.

The first three lines to open include:

• The Blue Line: A 38km north-south line, which connects King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Street to Dar AlBaida Sports Ground and includes 24 stations.
• The Gold Line: A 29.6km route that links King Khalid International Airport with the King Abdullah Financial District, with nine stations.
• The Violet Line: A 30km line running from King Abdullah Financial District to Prince Saas Ibn Abdulrahman Road, featuring nine stations, three of which it shares with the Gold Line.

The remaining three lines, including the Red Line (25.3km), Orange Line (40.7km), and Green Line (12.9km), are expected to open in mid-December 2024 or early 2025, according to local media.

Capacity and Ticketing Information

Once fully operational, the Riyadh Metro will have the capacity to carry 1.16 million passengers per day. Train services will operate at speeds of up to 80 km/h, helping to alleviate the city's notorious road congestion.

Ticket pricing is set to be affordable, with a two-hour ticket priced at Riyals 4 (approximately US $1.07), which also provides access to the 80 connecting bus lines. Additionally, passengers can purchase a three-day ticket for Riyals 20 and a seven-day ticket for Riyals 40. Children under six can travel for free. The city aims to encourage the use of the metro by offering affordable tickets, in hopes of reducing road congestion by 20-30%.

Construction and Development Overview

The Riyadh Metro Project was launched in 2013, with a combined $22.5 billion allocated for design and construction contracts. The ambitious project involved the creation of 85 kilometers of elevated lines and 35 kilometers of tunnels, constructed using seven tunnel boring machines (TBMs). A total of 360 kilometers of utility diversion was also carried out to make way for the new infrastructure.

The metro network will be served by a total of 116 two-car trains and 45 four-car trains. These trains are being supplied by a consortium of three different suppliers.

Testing of the lines began in 2020, with the goal of opening the metro system by the end of 2021. However, delays pushed back the launch, and the opening is now scheduled for November 27, 2024.

Future Plans

In addition to the initial opening of the first three lines, the MTA has already issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Metro Line 7, a new 65km extension to the network. Four consortia are reportedly vying for the contract to design and construct this new line.

The Riyadh Metro project represents a critical step toward modernizing the city's public transportation system and improving mobility for residents and visitors alike. The metro system is expected to reduce traffic congestion, promote sustainable urban transit, and provide a significant boost to Riyadh’s public transport infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

As the opening of the Riyadh Metro’s first lines approaches, the project is expected to reshape the city’s transportation landscape, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to private car use. With more lines set to open in the coming months and years, the Riyadh Metro will play a pivotal role in enhancing urban mobility in one of the world’s fastest-growing cities.