The General Transport Authority of Saudi Arabia has announced substantial details regarding the operation of the Riyadh Metro during Ramadan 2025, including when it will start, the tracks available, and the pricing structure for tickets. The metro service is set to launch on December 1, 2024, ahead of the holy month to provide enhanced transportation options during this significant period for residents.
Three distinct tracks have been designated for the Riyadh Metro, each identified by unique colors to facilitate navigation. The first, the blue line, stretches 38 kilometers and begins at the Al-Ali Street, passing through several important points including Al-Batha, and ultimately reaching Al-Khair. The second, yellow line, measures approximately 29.5 kilometers and primarily follows King Khaled Road, which serves as the route to the international airport. Finally, the purple line, extending 29.7 kilometers, traverses Abdul Rahman bin Auf Road and also intersects with Sheikh Hassan bin Al-Hussein Road.
Pricing for the tickets has been structured to provide flexibility and options for daily, weekly, and monthly travelers. The first ticket tier allows passengers to book a journey for a duration of two hours at a cost of just 4 Saudi Riyals. A more extended option is available with the second ticket, enabling users to book for a complete three-day span for 20 Riyals. For those who need to travel for a full week, a ticket is priced at 40 Riyals, while a full month can be booked for 140 Riyals under the fourth tier. Notably, each ticket grants access to unlimited rides within the specified time frame, enhancing the value for frequent users.
The launch of the Riyadh Metro is not just an operational milestone; it represents a significant investment in public transport infrastructure. King Salman bin Abdulaziz heralded the metro system as "the strongest backbone and the most important element of the Saudi public transport system." This endorsement emphasizes the commitment of the Saudi government to develop efficient public transport solutions to meet the growing demands of the urban population.
Overall, the Riyadh Metro project totals 176 kilometers in length and encompasses 85 public stations, including four major stations designed to facilitate efficient transit across the city. In conjunction with the already operational Riyadh bus system that spans 1,900 kilometers, the metro will play a pivotal role in reshaping urban mobility and enhancing commuter convenience.
The introduction of the Riyadh Metro during Ramadan 2025 is anticipated to significantly relieve congestion and improve access to and from key areas within the capital. The design and implementation of this system are expected to adapt to the surging demands observed during this period when foot traffic tends to peak.
Public transport in cities tends to take on heightened importance during festive and religious observances, and the Riyadh Metro aims to bridge the mobility gap for residents looking to commute efficiently. The strategic timing of its launch is designed to ensure that the metro is operational during one of the busiest times of the year, aligning with the social and economic activities that ramp up during Ramadan.
Moreover, coordinating effectively with transportation experts, the General Transport Authority will address potential challenges by developing a comprehensive and responsive operational framework. This approach aims to ensure that users have a positive experience while transitioning into a more modernized public transportation lifestyle.
In conclusion, the Riyadh Metro's anticipated launch in December 2024 marks a transformative chapter in the Saudi public transportation landscape. It is set to empower residents during Ramadan and beyond, encouraging the use of public transport while easing urban congestion, thus promoting a more efficient and sustainable city transit system. With affordability and access at its core, the Riyadh Metro is poised to revolutionize how citizens navigate the city.
