Riyadh Metro's Orange Line opened yesterday, marking the completion of the city's comprehensive six-line metro project. Spanning 41 kilometers, the Orange Line, or Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah Axis, connects Jeddah Road in the west to the Second Eastern Ring Road in the east.

It introduces stations including Jeddah Road, Tuwaiq, Al-Dawh, Harun Al-Rashid Road, and An Naseem—the latter serving as a crucial interchange with the Purple Line. This expansion enhances accessibility and convenience, making the metro a pivotal element in Riyadh's urban landscape.

Simultaneously, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City unveiled three new stations on the Blue Line: Al-Murooj, Bank Al-Bilad, and King Fahad Library. These additions connect major commercial sectors, residential areas, and cultural landmarks, strengthening the city’s transport infrastructure.

The Riyadh Metro project, which features 176 kilometers of track and 85 stations, is one of the largest public transport initiatives in the region. It was completed despite challenges including the global COVID-19 pandemic, with contracts valued at $22.5 billion.

The metro system operates daily from 6AM to midnight and is set to reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution. It encourages a shift from private vehicles to public transport, offering an efficient, sustainable alternative for daily commuters. Passengers can utilize the Darb app for journey planning or purchase tickets via station offices and self-service machines.

In December, the Riyadh Metro attracted more than 1.9 million passengers in its first week of operation, with the Purple Line favoured by commuters. The system has a total capacity of 3.6 million passenger with all lines open, taking a major step towards reducing traffic and air pollution in the city. This is increasingly important as Riyadh's population is projected to reach 15 to 20 million by 2030.

With six lines already completed, Riyadh Metro will introduce a seventh line in the future. Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment Khalid A. Al Falih and Mohammed AlQahtani, CEO of Saudi Arabia Holding CO, said that a further $21 billion would be allocated to the metro expansion project. The planned line would stretch across approximately 65 kilometres, with 19 stations (5 of which would be above ground). The new line would connect landmarks including Qiddiya Entertainment City, King Abdullah International Gardens, King Salman Park, New Murabba, Misk City, and Diriyah Gate.

This initiative falls neatly in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plans, as the Kingdom reduces its reliance on oil, further improves its sustainability intiatives, and continues to build reliable, less carbon-intensive public transportation for its growing population.

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