RIYADH: The Riyadh Metro has reached a major milestone by carrying more than 100 million passengers since its launch in December 2024.
Operated by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the metro has maintained an on-time performance rate of 99.7 percent, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The service’s blue line recorded the highest usage, with 46.5 million riders. The red line ranked second with 17 million, followed by the orange line with 12 million.
Qasr Al-Hokm, KAFDA, stc, and the National Museum were among the busiest stations, together accounting for more than 29 percent of total passenger numbers.
In a message posted by Riyadh Transport on social media platform X, the 100 millionth passenger, Masaad Al-Obaid, said he had no idea his routine journey would turn out to be an extraordinary milestone in the story of the Metro until a member of staff informed him. To mark the momentous occasion he was presented with a travel card providing him with free trips.
Al-Obaid was full of praise for the new Metro and the difference it has made to travel in the city: “It made my life so much easier. It saves time, no stress, no traffic problem, making it a smooth experience and such a huge time saver. It made things easier for me.”
Other regular users also welcomed the Metro’s milestone. Commuter Tausief Ahmed told Arab News: “Glad to know that in just nine months, Riyadh Metro has recorded its 100 millionth passenger.
“The service began last year in December, marking a new era of smart mobility in the Saudi capital. It certainly has made commuting easier and smarter.”
The metro is the world’s longest driverless network, extending 176 km across the capital. The system aims to enhance mobility, expand travel choices and reinforce public transport as a solution for the capital.
The metro aligns with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, in particular its aims to modernize the transport sector. There are plans to expand the railway network by more than 50 percent to connect major cities and help boost trade.
