Saudi Arabia marked a historic milestone as it inaugurated the Riyadh Metro. The network, inaugurated by His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is a key part of the Riyadh Public Transport (RPT) initiative, launched by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) to provide integrated public transport solutions.
As the world’s largest public transportation infrastructure project today, the Riyadh public transport network boasts 176 km of metro network, six fully automated metro lines, 85 metro stations, including four iconic stations designed by world-renowned architects, 80 bus lines, three bus rapid transit (BRT) routes, among others.
Phased operations
The RCRC also unveiled the schedule for the sequential operation of Riyadh Metro’s six lines starting December 1.
The initial phase will witness the inauguration of Line 1, the Al Olaya-Al Batha route (Blue Line), alongside Line 4, King Khalid International Airport Road (Yellow Line), and Line 6, stretching across Abdulrahman bin Auf Road and Sheikh Hassan bin Hussein bin Ali Road (Purple Line), all slated to commence on December 1.
Two weeks later on December 15, Line 2, King Abdullah Road (Red Line), and Line 5, King Abdulaziz Road (Green Line), will begin their operations.
The culmination of this phased rollout will occur on January 5, 2025, with Line 3, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah Road (Orange Line), marking the full activation of all six lines, servicing 85 stations, including four main stations.
Travelers can purchase tickets through the Darb app, available in various mobile app stores.
Decades-long project
The inauguration celebrates the successful achievement of a decade of continuous efforts, led by RCRC and its global partners, with RATP Dev playing an instrumental role in bringing to life the driverless, fully automated Riyadh Metro network. As the backbone of the city’s public transport system, the Riyadh Metro will transform urban life in the capital, enhance the mobility ecosystem to address current demands and meet future needs, and generate significant economic and sustainability benefits.
RATP Dev operates the network’s Blue and Red lines (lines 1 and 2), through its joint venture CAMCO, alongside Saudi company SAPTCO. RATP Dev also manages the bus network via PTC, its joint venture with SAPTCO, ensuring seamless integration and efficient service across Riyadh’s public transport system.
Enhancing access
This new network will transform daily life for Riyadh’s residents, providing easier access to essential points of interest, including schools, hospitals, universities, commercial centers and government facilities. By reducing congestion and vehicle emissions, the Riyadh Metro will greatly improve travel times and support current and future passenger growth.
Providing a seamless, reliable, safe, and affordable travel experience, the network promises modern, comfortable, and world-class experience that will facilitate the daily commutes of residents and significantly boost overall quality of life in the capital city.
“Today, I am honored to celebrate not just the completion of an extraordinary project, but a step change for public transport in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia. This integrated network will transform mobility, allowing residents and visitors to transition from car-dependent travel to a more sustainable and connected transport system,” said Hiba Farès, CEO of RATP Dev.
