Metro train systems are useful because they are an efficient and reliable way to travel around cities. They also help decrease traffic and pollution by reducing reliance on car transport.
Therefore, it’s no wonder Saudi Arabia has invested billions in a new public transport system that is set to transform its capital city, Riyadh.
Aligning with Saudi’s “Vision 2030” initiative, launched by the government to achieve increased economic diversification and improve quality of life, the Riyadh Metro is part of the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport.
The project will consist of six metro lines spanning a total length of 109 miles, using a driverless system, and is estimated to cost $23 billion (£18 billion) to build.
A staggering 85 stations have been constructed, 34 of them elevated. Signature architects designed four iconic interchange stations.
The system is designed to carry up to 3.6 million passengers a day, bringing relief to commuters in a rapidly growing city that has become choked by the cars it was designed for.
Projections indicate that it will reduce car trips in the city by nearly 250,000 each day, equivalent to 400,000 litres of fuel per day, reducing air pollutant emissions in the city.
Since preparations for the metro began in 2012, Riyadh’s population has grown nearly 40% to 7.8 million.
“Today, Riyadh City is reaping the benefits of this project that will reshape the capital’s image and redefine mobility for its residents and visitors,” said Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan in late November, chief executive of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.
The system will open for passengers in phases, with lines 1, 4, and 6 (Blue, Yellow, and Purple) opening on Sunday, December 1.
Lines 2 (Red) and 5 (Green) are scheduled to open on December 15, while Line 3 (Orange) is set to open on January 5.
In 2013, three international construction and engineering consortia were awarded contracts to design and build the lines and stations. The “FAST” consortium – led by Spain’s FCC along with partners in South Korea, France, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Canada and Spain – won the biggest package, delivering lines 4, 5 and 6.
It marshalled 8,000 personnel, combining 38 nationalities and 22 languages.
Lines 1 and 2 went to the “BACS” consortium, which included partners from the US, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Germany. The “ANM” consortium, which included partners from Italy, Japan, India, and Spain, among others, built Line 3.
Signature architects designed the network’s four iconic interchange stations. Zaha Hadid Architects (UK) designed the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) station; Snøhetta (Norway) designed the Qasr Al Hokm station; Gerber Architekten (Germany) designed the STC station; and Omrania (KSA) designed the Western Station.
Expected to highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to modernity and advancing technology, each of its 85 stations is notable for its modern, high-tech design, which incorporates energy-efficient systems, modern architecture, and advanced security and safety features.
The stations will also use solar cells to save about 20% of the power required for air conditioning and lighting.
“It’s also about image building, it shows that the country is progressive, it’s modern”, Yasser Elsheshtawy, professor of architecture at Columbia University, told the Wall Street Journal earlier this year.
