King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has officially inaugurated the Riyadh Metro, marking a significant achievement in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030.

The new mass transit system, which spans 176 kilometers across six lines and 85 stations, aims to serve up to 3.6 million passengers daily once fully operational.

The first three metro lines—the Blue, Yellow, and Purple lines—are set to open to the public on December 1, 2024, with subsequent lines launching in phases over the next few months.

The Riyadh Metro is a vital component of Riyadh Public Transport (RPT), an integrated and sustainable public transport system designed to serve both the city’s residents and international visitors.

The network will offer a combination of metro lines, buses, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and on-demand bus services, alongside Park & Ride facilities.

The full system will significantly enhance the city’s mobility infrastructure and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ongoing urban transformation.

In his opening remarks, Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Sultan, Minister of State and CEO of the Riyadh City Railway Company (RCRC), emphasized the project’s profound impact on Riyadh’s future.

“Today, Riyadh City is reaping the benefits of this project that will reshape the capital’s image and redefine mobility for its residents and visitors.

The network is in line with Riyadh’s economic, social, environmental, and urban development objectives,” Al Sultan said.

He highlighted how the metro will not only improve the daily commutes of citizens and visitors but also position Riyadh as a global hub for tourism and business.

The Riyadh Metro project is being implemented in phases, with the Red and Green lines slated for launch on December 15, 2024.

The Orange line is set to open on January 5, 2025. Four iconic stations—King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), STC, Qasr Al Hokm, and Western Station—will act as major hubs for the system.

The metro system is powered by a fleet of 183 trains, comprising 448 cars manufactured by leading international train manufacturers Siemens (Germany), Bombardier (Canada), and Alstom (France).

The design of the trains and stations was developed by Avant Premiere of France, ensuring a modern and cohesive aesthetic that reflects Riyadh’s dynamic growth and vision.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability, the Riyadh Metro project incorporates environmentally friendly practices.

The stations have been designed with 20% recycled materials, and efforts have been made to minimize energy and water consumption.

Notably, KAFD and Qasr Al Hokm stations have earned gold LEED certifications, recognizing their adherence to global environmental standards.

The Riyadh Metro is poised to transform urban mobility in the capital, reducing reliance on private cars, cutting down on pollution, and contributing to the overall economic and environmental goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

This state-of-the-art transport system will not only ease traffic congestion but also enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors, setting Riyadh on the path to becoming a world-class metropolis.