Saudi Arabia is the country that reigns in the sector of pharaonic constructions. At the end of October, said region announced that the excavation work of the huge Mukaab cube were almost finished and, in mid-November, the country revealed that, in the megacity The Line, the construction of new buildings to host world sporting events. But, beyond these two ambitions, Saudi Arabia wants to immerse itself in more projects that seem like something out of a work of science fiction, therefore, it announces its new driverless transportation network.
The company RATPDev states in a statement that, on December 1, it began operating the new longest driverless Riyadh metro system in the worldbeing a huge network that extends for 176 kilometers.
This public transport network has six fully automated metro lineshas 85 subway stations—”including four iconic stations designed by world-renowned architects”—80 bus lines, three bus rapid transit routes, and parking facilities. According to RATPDev, this new network will transform the daily lives of Riyadh residentsproviding easier access to schools, hospitals, universities, shopping centers and government facilities. Additionally, by reducing congestion and vehicle emissions, the subway will improve travel times.
“As the backbone of the city’s public transport system, the Riyadh metro will transform urban life in the capital, will improve the mobility ecosystem to address current demands and meet future needs, and will generate significant economic and sustainability benefits,” says RATPDev in the release.
On the other hand, “at provide a smooth, reliable, safe and affordable travel experiencethe network promises a modern, comfortable and first-class experience that will significantly improve the quality of life in the capital.”
This subway marks a great milestone
Looking to the future, it is expected that the Riyadh metro network will have a maximum capacity of 3.6 million daily passengerstaking into account that it will significantly reduce dependence on private vehicles
Andrew DeLeone, Alstom’s regional president for Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, says in another release that “the inauguration of the Riyadh metro by the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh (RCRC) marks an important milestone in advancing Saudi Vision 2030 Saudi. By leveraging innovative technology and sustainable practices, we are restructuring urban mobility while fostering economic growth.”