Arabian Post Staff -Dubai
The Riyadh Metro project, a pivotal component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, has achieved another significant step forward with the inauguration of the Red and Green lines. These additions to the expansive transportation network underline the city’s ambitions to become a global urban hub and address critical challenges such as traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
The launch follows years of meticulous planning and phased implementation by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC). With six lines spanning 176 kilometers and connecting 85 stations, the Riyadh Metro represents one of the largest urban transport initiatives in the Middle East. The network’s phased rollout began earlier this month, with the Blue, Yellow, and Purple lines debuting on December 1. The Orange Line is scheduled to complete the system’s full deployment in early January 2025.
The Green Line, traversing King Abdulaziz Road, and the Red Line, covering King Abdullah Road, collectively add over 38 kilometers of coverage. These routes aim to improve connectivity between key residential, commercial, and educational districts, including access to King Khalid International Airport and King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the latter a central hub for the kingdom’s economic diversification.
Operational details confirm daily metro services running from 6 a.m. to midnight, with high-tech, fully automated trains ensuring seamless transport. Travelers can choose between various ticketing options, ranging from SAR 4 for a two-hour pass to SAR 140 for a 30-day unlimited pass, while premium class tickets cater to those seeking enhanced comfort. The user-friendly Darb mobile app facilitates route planning and ticket purchases, promoting a convenient and integrated experience for commuters.
The Riyadh Metro is also celebrated for its eco-friendly design. Incorporating solar panels in station construction, the project offsets 20% of its energy needs through renewable sources. Once fully operational, the metro is projected to reduce 250,000 daily car journeys, saving approximately 400,000 liters of fuel and significantly cutting urban pollution levels. These measures align with the global push for sustainable urban development.
RCRC’s strategic vision extends beyond transportation, with metro stations doubling as community hubs. Major stations such as KAFD Metro Station and Qasr Al-Hukm District Station offer not only transit services but also retail outlets, air-conditioned lounges, and parking facilities accommodating thousands of vehicles. The separation of family and single carriages caters to cultural sensitivities, while a VIP class provides exclusive amenities for premium passengers.
