WORLD
Riyadh Metro kicks off first phase operations
Baku, December 2, AZERTAC
Riyadh Metro, the backbone of the Saudi capital’s public transport system, officially opened to the public on Sunday, according to Al Arabya.
The network includes six fully automated metro lines, 85 stations, and 176 kilometers (109 miles) of new track, making it the world’s largest self-driving public transportation project.
Designed to transport 3.6 million passengers daily, the metro is expected to reduce Riyadh’s traffic by 30 percent, according to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC).
The excitement among Riyadh residents was palpable on the metro’s first day, with hundreds eagerly showing up to experience the inaugural ride.
The Blue Line, which is 38 kilometers (24 miles) long, is one of the first lines to partially open, alongside the Yellow and Purple Lines, and will run north to south through Downtown Riyadh.
The Red and Green Lines are set to launch by December 15, while the Orange Line is scheduled to open by January 5.
Originally announced in 2014 with a deadline of December 2024, the Riyadh Metro is one of the largest transit projects ever undertaken in a single phase, earning its “mega project” status.
The Riyadh Metro transport network is designed to accommodate the city’s rapidly growing population, projected to rise from 7.5 million in 2023 to between 15 and 20 million by 2030.
The network will feature 80 bus routes, 842 buses, and 2,860 stops, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the city.
