Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and CEO of Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan said that the Riyadh Metro will redefine the capital city's image and revolutionize transportation for both residents and visitors. He said the fully automatic trains and stations powered by renewable energy will enhance environmental sustainability in the capital city. "The project aims to deliver an efficient and sustainable public transport system that meets the current and future mobility demands of Riyadh," he said in a statement issued on the occasion of the official launch of the project by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman on Wednesday.

In the statement, Eng. Al-Sultan extended his gratitude to King Salman, and Crown Prince, Prime Minister and RCRC Chairman Mohammed bin Salman for the Riyadh Metro project inauguration. "Riyadh is now enjoying the benefits of this transformative project, which is designed to address the traffic congestion caused by the rapid population growth, urban expansion, and the increasing use of private vehicles in the city. In developing the Riyadh Metro, several critical factors were taken into account to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability," he said while noting that these included analyzing traffic volumes on major roads and intersections and understanding the origins and destinations of trips within the city.

Eng. Al-Sultan said the anticipated passenger capacity for each metro line was carefully evaluated to meet demand effectively. Furthermore, travel times along public transport routes were assessed to enhance efficiency. "The project also looked at its overall impact on the road network, aiming to reduce congestion, lower fuel consumption, and decrease pollution while addressing other vital transportation considerations necessary for the city’s mobility framework."

The RCRC chief indicated that the project is the largest in scale, built entirely in a single phase spanning a total length of 176 kilometers and 85 stations. The system, distinguished by its high design and technical specifications, is in harmony with the economic, social, environmental, and urban characteristics of Riyadh.

"The project will contribute to a transformative shift in the city's transportation sector by increasing the use of public transport for daily trips, offering multiple mobility options for the city's residents and visitors in addition to private cars," he noted.

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.

He said that the project will support efforts to achieve environmental sustainability in the city by reducing pollution caused by car emissions, cutting fuel consumption, and utilizing advanced technologies in trains, buses, stations, and facilities that help reduce energy consumption, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 programs.

Eng. Al-Sultan thanked the residents of Riyadh for their understanding and cooperation in accommodating the construction requirements of the project and the resulting impact on traffic flow at the construction sites.

He also extended his gratitude to the RCRC's partners from relevant public and private-sector entities in Riyadh for their collaboration and support, as well as for mobilizing all available resources for the project.

Additionally, Eng. Al-Sultan thanked the team at RCRC, the consultants, global consortiums, and the local and international companies involved in implementing the project for their tireless efforts, which were crowned with success in completing the project.