A 176km Network Shaping the Future of Mobility
Urban transit in Riyadh has taken a leap forward with the launch of a 176km metro network—the longest driverless system in the world. Six color-coded lines connect residential, commercial, and governmental districts, providing seamless mobility across 85 stations. As Riyadh’s population inches towards 8.3 million by 2030, the metro is positioned to accommodate growing demand for Riyadh public transport while reducing traffic congestion.
Redefining Public Transport in a Car-Centric City
For years, Riyadh has relied heavily on private vehicles, with just 2% of daily trips made via public transport. The metro aims to shift that figure to 20%, marking a fundamental change in how people navigate the city. With 183 driverless electric trains, advanced CBTC signaling, and full platform screen doors, the system is built for efficiency and safety, setting new benchmarks for urban transit in the region.
Global Expertise in Building a Next-Gen Network
The metro’s construction, initiated in 2014, was a collaborative effort between three international consortiums, each responsible for different segments of the network:
- BACS Consortium (Bechtel, Almabani, CCC, Siemens Mobility) handled Lines 1 & 2.
- FAST Consortium (FCC, Samsung C&T, Alstom, Strukton, Atkins, Typsa, Setec) built Lines 4, 5 & 6.
- ArRiyadh New Mobility Consortium (Hitachi, Alstom, Webuild, L&T, Nesma) delivered Line 3.
Approximately 40% of the metro system runs underground, while elevated and at-grade sections complete the rest. Line 5 (Green Line) is the only fully underground route, optimizing space in Riyadh’s dense urban areas.
Also Read: Riyadh Metro Revolution: 18M Passengers and Counting
Ridership Surging as Operations Gain Momentum
Since its full launch in January 2025, the Riyadh Metro has rapidly reshaped mobility patterns. Within its first 75 days, it logged 18 million passengers, completing 162,000 journeys across 4.5 million kilometers. Ticketing is streamlined through the Darb app and station kiosks, making access simple for daily commuters and visitors alike.
To ensure smooth operations, the metro is managed under two 12-year contracts by leading transport firms:
- RATP Dev and the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) oversee Lines 1 & 2.
- FS (Italy), Alstom, and Hitachi manage Lines 3 to 6.
The Future of Riyadh Public Transport
Riyadh’s ambitious metro project is more than just a transit system—it’s a statement of intent. As the city works to reduce reliance on cars, ease congestion, and lower emissions, the metro has become a catalyst for change. With 3.6 million daily passengers, streamlined digital ticketing, and integration with other transport systems, Riyadh is moving toward a future where public mobility is not just efficient but essential.
But the metro alone isn’t enough to fully transform Riyadh’s transportation landscape. It is part of the city’s broader Public Transport Project, which also includes an expanded bus network and a planned monorail within King Abdullah Financial District. As Riyadh modernizes its infrastructure, these initiatives signal a shift toward efficient, interconnected mobility—aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Also Read: Riyadh’s Dedicated Bus Lanes: Elevating Urban Mobility to the Next Level
