Watch: Riyadh metro begins operations, aims to transform urban mobility in Saudi Arabia
Middle East’s largest metro system launches, set to cut traffic congestion by 30%
Dubai: The Riyadh Metro, the Middle East’s largest public transport system and the world’s longest driverless train network, has officially begun operations on Sunday, December 1.
Stretching across 176 kilometers with 85 stations, the project aims to ease traffic congestion in the Saudi capital by up to 30 per cent, according to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.
The metro’s phased rollout starts with three lines:
• Line 1 (Blue Line): Al Olaya-Al Batha Road
• Line 4 (Yellow Line): King Khalid International Airport Road
• Line 6 (Purple Line): Abdulrahman bin Auf and Sheikh Hassan bin Hussein Roads
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Two more lines — Line 2 (Red Line) and Line 5 (Green Line) — will launch on December 15, with the final Line 3 (Orange Line) on Madinah Road opening January 5, 2025.
The launch also introduces the Darb app, a digital tool to streamline travel, offering route planning, ticket purchases, and real-time updates. “Darb is a cornerstone in creating smarter mobility across Riyadh,” said Maher Shira, acting director of digital infrastructure for the project.
Part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Riyadh Metro is designed to reduce reliance on cars and promote sustainable urban growth. Officials see it as a transformative step to improve mobility and quality of life in one of the world’s fastest-growing cities.