Saudi Arabia: The capital’s network encompasses six lines spanning for 176 km and connecting 85 stations.
Siemens Mobility’s Inspiro trains have commenced operation on Line 1, and Alstom’s Metropolis trains have been put into service on Lines 4 and 6. The Riyadh Metro is fully automated, with the vehicles operating at GoA4 at minimum headways of 90 seconds.
The Siemens Mobility train in Riyadh. Source: Mohamed Lahi/X
The Alstom trains in Riyadh. Source: Hill International
Siemens has delivered a total of 41 four-car metro trains and 26 two-car metro trains, while Alstom’s contribution includes 69 Metropolis and 47 Innovia Metro 300 LRVs, each trainset with two cars. The interiors are divided into First Class, Family Class and Single Class. In addition, Hitachi Rail has equipped the lines with the communications-based train control system, CBTC.
The Riyadh Metro has been constructed since 2014 by three consortia. The project’s total cost is $22.5 bln. The remaining three lines are expected to start operation by early January 2025, which is three years later than scheduled.
