Saudi Arabia is on a mission to transform itself into a cutting-edge tourist destination, with visionary projects like The Line and Mukaab. To make this dream a reality, the country is revamping its transportation system on a grand scale. A key part of this transformation is the launch of a new, world-leading driverless metro system in Riyadh.
On December 1, the Riyadh Metro began operations, opening three of its lines, with more to come. Once fully completed, the metro network will span an impressive 176 kilometers (109 miles) and connect vital areas of Riyadh, including business hubs, cultural landmarks, and popular districts. The metro's completion is expected to alleviate congestion on the city's roads and reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 12.5 million tons (10.8 million tonnes) annually.
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Designed to accommodate up to 3.6 million passengers daily, the metro features 85 stations, including the iconic King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station by renowned Zaha Hadid Architects. The station’s innovative, curving lattice design not only adds to the station’s visual appeal but is also engineered to reduce the impact of Riyadh's intense summer heat.
The metro fleet consists of 69 Alstom Metropolis trains and 47 Innovia Metro trains, all fully electric. These driverless trains are designed to deliver a seamless travel experience with options for first-class, family, and singles seating. Passengers can expect modern comforts like ergonomic seating, air-conditioning, LED lighting, and a high-tech passenger information system. The trains are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, including advanced signaling systems that control speed and ensure smooth operations, automatic train door openings, and platform screen doors for added safety.
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These automated trains, which have already been successfully used in cities like Budapest, Sydney, and Taipei, promise to make Riyadh’s metro a world-class transit system that will greatly enhance the city’s transportation infrastructure.
Soures-newatlas.com
