Saudi Arabia opens Middle East’s largest $22bn Riyadh Metro Rail Network to the public

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Metro Rail Today): In a significant move towards modernizing the capital’s public transportation, Riyadh has officially launched the Middle East's largest urban rail network. The Riyadh Metro, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, is set to revolutionize how residents commute, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the city's overall quality of life.

On Sunday, Riyadh will see the inaugural operation of the first three metro lines, marking a major milestone in the project’s long-awaited completion. The Riyadh Metro’s opening is expected to be a game-changer, both for the city’s infrastructure and its residents, who have long struggled with traffic congestion.

The First Phase of Riyadh Metro: Three Lines Ready to Roll

The first phase of the Riyadh Metro involves the launch of three major lines, which will serve as the backbone of the capital’s new urban rail system. These are:

• The Blue Line: Connecting Olaya Street to Al Batʼha
• The Yellow Line: Running along King Khalid International Airport Road
• The Purple Line: Covering Abdul Rahman bin Awf Road and Al-Shaikh Hassan Bin Hussain Street

As part of the phased rollout, Riyadh Metro will also introduce the Red Line and Green Line by December 15, covering King Abdullah Road and King Abdulaziz Road, respectively. The final line in the network, the Orange Line, will begin operating on January 5, 2025, covering Madinah Road.

The launch of these lines is part of a carefully planned development process, set in motion by the Saudi Cabinet’s approval of the project in 2012. The Metro project, valued at approximately $22.5 billion (SR84.4 billion), was developed with input from three global consortiums after contracts were awarded in 2013.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: A Green Metro for Riyadh

The Riyadh Metro is more than just an urban rail project—it’s designed to promote sustainability and eco-friendly transportation. The metro system boasts several environmentally conscious features, including energy-efficient trains and stations, regenerative braking technology that reduces energy consumption, and solar panel installations at select stations. All metro stations will be powered by renewable energy sources, making it a truly green transportation solution.

Maher Sheira, Supervisor of Digital Infrastructure for the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project, highlighted the project’s environmental impact, stating, “If 100,000 passengers switch from cars to public transport, we could save over 3 million trees annually. This number could continue to grow as more people embrace the metro.”

Reducing Traffic and Environmental Impact

The Riyadh Metro is poised to alleviate the city’s notorious traffic congestion. Maher Sheira noted that the metro’s capacity to transport up to 3.6 million passengers daily is a key factor in achieving this goal. This ambitious target aligns with the broader objective of reducing Riyadh’s traffic by up to 30 percent.

The shift from private car use to public transportation is not only expected to ease traffic but also reduce carbon emissions. Sheira added that the Riyadh Metro, together with the city’s expanding bus network, is central to the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Program, which aims to make Riyadh one of the world’s leading cities in public transport efficiency.

Seamless Integration with Bus Networks

One of the standout features of the Riyadh Metro is its integration with the city’s bus network, ensuring a smooth transition for commuters between different modes of public transport. Passengers will be able to use the same ticket for both the metro and buses, which will run in tandem to offer a consistent, high-quality service across the system. This integration is designed to improve convenience and reliability for the growing number of passengers who depend on public transport for their daily commutes.

Sheira emphasized the importance of service quality, stating, “Our goal is to deliver first-class standards throughout the entire network—from the stations to the trains, and from the buses to the bus stops. We are committed to maintaining this high standard and ensuring that our passengers always experience the best service possible.”

Vision 2030: Riyadh’s Transformation into a Modern Global City

The Riyadh Metro is an essential part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy, enhance urban infrastructure, and create a more sustainable future for the country. The metro project has faced several challenges, including the global pandemic, but the determination to finish the project on time has been unwavering.

Sheira expressed confidence in the future of Riyadh’s public transport system: “We aim to keep Riyadh at the forefront of global cities in terms of public transportation. With determination and strategic planning, we are confident that we will achieve this vision.”

The Riyadh Metro's launch marks the beginning of a new era for the city, offering an efficient, sustainable, and modern alternative to private car use. With the promise of improved air quality, reduced congestion, and a cleaner environment, the metro system is set to transform Riyadh into a model for urban transportation in the Middle East and beyond.