Riyadh’s Driverless Metro Opens First Three Lines This Week

Riyadh’s highly anticipated driverless metro is set to debut its first phase on Wednesday, opening three of its six lines to the public.

The announcement, made on the project’s official social media account, marks a major milestone for the Saudi capital’s ambitious transport vision.

The Riyadh Metro, once fully operational, will claim the title of the world’s largest metro system completed in a single phase. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, confirmed in October that the project was nearing completion and undergoing rigorous testing.

In its initial phase, the metro is expected to accommodate 1.2 million daily passengers, a number that will more than double once all six lines are operational. Spanning an impressive 176 kilometers and encompassing 84 stations, the network aims to revolutionize daily commutes in Riyadh.

Designed with convenience in mind, the metro will connect key areas such as King Khalid International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District, universities, downtown Riyadh, and major public institutions. Its integration with 80 bus routes and 2,860 stops, serviced by 842 buses, ensures seamless connectivity for commuters.

The metro is also projected to drive significant growth in Riyadh’s real estate market, enhancing the value of properties near metro stations. This aligns with the city’s population boom, with numbers forecasted to soar from 7.5 million in 2023 to an estimated 15–20 million by 2030.

“The network will provide extensive coverage for densely populated areas and key facilities, making it a cornerstone of Riyadh’s urban evolution,” reads a statement on the metro project’s official website.

With this transformative project, Riyadh is set to establish itself as a global model for modern urban transportation. Commuters and city planners alike are looking forward to witnessing the impact of this innovative system.

Riyadh’s journey into a driverless future begins this week. Are you ready to ride?

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