Saudi Arabia Launches Riyadh Metro Automated System Capable of Carrying 3.6 Million Passengers Daily Upon Completion.
In a bid to transform the country into a future tourism paradise with projects like The Line City and the Mukaab Cube Building, Saudi Arabia is actively upgrading its transportation network. The authorities recently inaugurated the new automated metro system, touted as the longest in the world, according to New Atlas.
KAFD Metro Station designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. (Photo: Hufton+Crow).
Riyadh Metro commenced operations on December 1, opening three train lines (with an additional line to be added in January 2025 and two more later). The system spans a total length of 176 km, connecting key districts, commercial centers, and famous landmarks in the Saudi capital. With a capacity of 3.6 million passengers per day upon full completion, the new metro network is expected to significantly reduce road traffic in Riyadh, resulting in a decrease of 10.8 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Riyadh Metro consists of a total of 85 stations. Notably, the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, stands out. The station features a meticulously calculated layout to assist passengers in navigating easily. Its exterior boasts a striking lattice design that helps to alleviate the summer heat in the capital.
69 Alstom Metropolis trains and 47 Innovia Metro trains are utilized for passenger transport, all powered by electricity. They are categorized into three classes: first class, family class, and standard class, featuring ergonomic seating, LED lighting, air conditioning, and passenger information systems. The trains operate automatically and were previously part of automated transport systems in Budapest, Hungary, Sydney, Australia, and Taipei, Taiwan.
“This is an automated train system. The movement of the trains is safeguarded by a modern signaling system that controls the speed of the trains, ensuring safe and smooth operations, including automatic door opening functions. The fully air-conditioned metro stations are equipped with barriers to prevent individuals from getting too close to the tracks. The trains also feature advanced passenger information systems that provide real-time updates through screens and speakers on the trains and platforms,” stated Alstom, the supplier of the metro system for the project.
