RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has inaugurated the Riyadh Metro, the backbone of the capital’s public transport network.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated the project, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Thursday.
The network consists of a network that includes 6 lines spanning 176 kilometres and 85 stations. The public transport project was launched based on various studies prepared by the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh.
The studies after assessing the current and future needs of the public transport sector in the city proposed to establish a sustainable public transport system that is compatible with the city and its characteristics.
The metro will be available for public use from December 1 and will operate daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. The metro lines will open in stages over the next two months with the blue, yellow and purple lines opening on December 1, the red and green lines opening on December 15, and the orange line opening on January 5, 2025.
Commuters can designate their destinations and purchase tickets through the Darb app, which is available in various mobile app stores. For additional details, individuals are asked to reach out to the project’s call centre at 19933, or explore the Riyadh Metro’s official website and other social media channels.
Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Chief Executive Eng. Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Sultan viewed that the project would redefine Riyadh’s image and revolutionize transportation for both residents and visitors.
He elaborated that the project delivers an efficient and sustainable public transport system that meets the current and future mobility demands of Riyadh. He said the initiative is in line with the rapid population growth, urban expansion, and the increasing use of private vehicles in the city.
Moreover, Eng. Al-Sultan indicated that the project will improve the quality of life in the city by encouraging a healthy lifestyle through the provision of walkable environments and easy access to public transportation stations within a developed urban setting surrounded by commercial, cultural, and tourist attractions.
