The streets of Riyadh are about to change dramatically as the Riyadh Metro prepares to open later this year. Announced in 2014, this ambitious project is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and aims to revolutionize public transport in the city, making travel smoother and reducing congestion.
What Is the Riyadh Metro Project?
The Riyadh Metro is more than just a new train system; it’s a complete overhaul of public transport in the city. As part of a larger plan to improve urban mobility, the metro will operate alongside a new bus network that has already started running. This integration aims to provide Riyadh residents with a seamless travel experience.
The metro network will cover six major lines and 85 stations, stretching across 176 kilometers. It will connect key areas like business districts, government offices, and educational institutions, making it easier for people to get around the city.
Key Features and Stations
The Riyadh Metro will have 84 stations, including four major hubs to facilitate smooth connections:
- Qasr Al Hokm Metro Station: Connects the blue and orange lines.
- King Abdullah Financial District Station: A central hub for the blue, yellow, and violet lines.
- Western Station: Serves the orange line and includes a dedicated bus line.
- STC Station: Details about this station’s routes are still to be announced.
We strategically placed these stations to ensure efficient travel across the city and to provide easy access to different metro lines and the bus network.
What to Expect on Board
The Riyadh Metro will offer three types of carriages:
- Single Carriages: For individuals, including single men.
- Family Carriages: Reserved for families and single women.
- VIP Carriages: Accessible only with VIP cards.
With a total of 470 carriages, the metro is designed to meet the needs of various passengers, ensuring comfort and convenience.
Lines and Routes
The Riyadh Metro will feature six main lines, each serving different parts of the city:
- Blue Line: Runs from Olaya to Batha’a, covering 38 kilometers.
- Red Line: Follows King Abdullah Road, spanning 25.3 kilometers.
- Orange Line: Connects Al Madina Al Monawara to Prince Saad bin Abdul Rahman Al Awal Road, covering 40.7 kilometers.
- Yellow Line: Extends from King Khaled International Airport Road, stretching 29.6 kilometers.
- Green Line: Runs along King Abdul Aziz Road, with a 12.9-kilometer route.
- Violet Line: Connects Abdul Rahman bin Aouf Road to Sheikh Hassan bin Hussain bin Ali Road, covering 30 kilometers.
We carefully planned these lines to cover the most important areas in Riyadh, which will make travel across the city more efficient.
Project Capacity and Specifications
Once fully operational, the Riyadh Metro is expected to serve around 1.2 million people daily. The metro buses will handle an additional 500,000 passengers. The trains are designed with advanced features:
- 74 Inspiro Sets for Lines 1 and 2 from Siemens.
- 47 Innovia Metro 300 Trains for Line 3 from Bombardier.
- 69 Metropolis Sets for Lines 4, 5, and 6 from Alstom.
These modern trains aim to provide a comfortable and smooth ride for all passengers.
Parking and Accessibility
To make commuting easier, the Riyadh Metro project includes 21 park-and-ride locations across the city. Each facility can hold between 200 and 600 cars, helping to ensure that accessing the metro is convenient for everyone.
The Future of Riyadh’s Public Transport
As the Riyadh Metro prepares to launch, it promises to bring significant improvements to the city’s public transport system. Whether you’re a daily commuter or just visiting, the metro aims to make travel around Riyadh easier and more efficient. Keep an eye out for updates on the opening date and more details about this exciting new addition to the city’s transport network.
Also read: Qatar Airways Ups the Ante with New Caviar Service on 13 Global Routes – Social Kandura
Leave a comment