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Riyadh metro

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2014 - 2024
Economic DevelopmentMetroMobilityTransportation

Project Description

Approach Words: Smart Mobility, Sustainability, Urban Livability

Public Policy Instruments: Infrastructure

The Riyadh Metro is a new development initiative set to redefine urban mobility in Saudi Arabia’s capital, one of the fastest-growing cities in the world1. Featuring fully automated, driverless trains and architecturally striking stations, inspired by local culture2, the project is a key component of the kingdom’s goal to “create a sustainable, accessible, and world-class public transport network”3. Launched in 2014, the metro aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and support economic diversification4. As part of the broader Riyadh Public Transport Project (RPTP), which also includes an integrated bus network, the metro seeks to revolutionize how over 8 million residents navigate the city5.

Spanning 176 kilometers, the Riyadh Metro consists of 6 lines and 85 stations, with Line 3 alone stretching 41 kilometers to connect key eastern and western districts6.

Key features include:

  • Driverless trains operating at speeds up to 90 km/h, equipped with advanced signaling for safety and efficiency7.
  • Iconic stations like Qasr Al-Hokm8, blending traditional Najdi architecture with modern materials like perforated metal façades9.
  • Accessibility enhancements, including tactile pathways, elevators, and platform screen doors for passenger safety10.
  • AI-powered crowd management and real-time data monitoring for enhanced and efficient user experience11.

By integrating innovative technologies with traditional Saudi design elements, the metro represents a seamless blend of heritage and innovation.

The project is led by the Riyadh City Royal Commission (RCRC) and involves international firms like Bechtel, Siemens, and Alstom, and the BACS consortium (Bechtel, Almabani, CCC, Siemens), responsible for Lines 1 and 21213. Webuild oversaw Line 3’s construction, which includes 22 stations and 11 park-and-ride facilities14.

Implementation occurred in three phases:

Phase 1: Initial Launch 2024: Commenced with the inauguration of three lines:

  • Line 1 (Blue Line): 38 kilometers.
  • Line 4 (Yellow Line): 26.9 kilometers.
  • Line 6 (Purple Line): 30 kilometers.15

Phase 2: Expansion: Two additional lines were launched:

  • Line 2 (Red Line): 25.3 kilometers.
  • Line 5 (Green Line): 12.9 kilometers.16

Phase 3: Final Completion 2025: The final line was opened:

  • Line 3 (Orange Line): 40.7 kilometers.17

As of 2024, Lines 4, 5, and 6 are operational, while Line 3 completed testing in late 20231819. The final phases will fully integrate all lines by 202520.

Once fully operational, the Riyadh Metro is expected to:

  • Serve 1.2 million daily riders
  • Reduce car dependency by 30%
  • Position Riyadh as a global model for smart urban mobility21.

Over the few months after the initiation of the project, the metro carried more than 18 million passengers22. Over the operation period, it completed over 162,000 trips and covered about 4.5 million kilometers. The blue line alone accounted for nearly 10 million journeys23. Metro operates at full capacity of up to 3.6 million passengers daily, which makes the metro the backbone of the city’s public transportation24. Additionally, the metro is now operating along with 80 bus routes and 5,860 stops, offering an easy connection throughout the whole city25.

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