RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s driverless Riyadh Metro service opened its doors to the general public on Sunday.
The Riyadh Metro, is largest in the Middle East and the longest driverless metro system globally, would offer alternative transportation options to reduce dependence on personal vehicles and facilitate Riyadh’s evolution into a centre for trade and commerce.
The metro system was inaugurated by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on November 27.
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 metro is now serving commuters on three of its six lines: The Blue Line (Al-Olaya-Al Batha), the Yellow Line (King Khalid International Airport Road), and the Purple Line (Abdulrahman bin Aauf Street–Sheikh Hassan bin Hussain bin Ali Road), the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The remaining three lines will be opened in phases. The Red Line (King Abdullah Road) and the Green Line (King Abdulaziz Road) will start its operation on December 15, 2024, while the Orange Line (Madinah Road) will be operational on January 5, 2025.
READ ALSO: Russia, Iran, Turkey Discuss ‘Dangerous’ Escalation in Syria
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.
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.
