Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project continues advancing as Saudi Arabia expands urban mobility infrastructure across the capital. The integrated transport system, which includes the Riyadh Metro and Riyadh Bus network, has now moved into an operational growth phase following the full opening of the metro network in early 2025. Moreover, authorities continue extending key lines to support rising passenger demand and new urban developments across Riyadh. The project also complements the wider Saudi Arabia GCC railway project, which recently entered procurement for the 672km Kuwait-UAE border rail corridor.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) confirmed that the Riyadh Metro surpassed 200 million passengers in March 2026. The milestone reflects increasing public transport adoption across the Saudi capital after all six metro lines became fully operational in January 2025.

The King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project remains one of the Middle East’s largest urban transport developments. The integrated system includes six metro lines extending 176km alongside an extensive bus network featuring more than 840 buses and 80 routes.

Authorities originally awarded the project management services contract to SNC-Lavalin for operations and maintenance support, intelligent transport systems, and fare collection management. Since then, the project has transitioned from construction into operational expansion and long-term network optimization.

King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project  supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals

The Riyadh Metro now operates as the backbone of Riyadh’s public transport system. Current services connect major residential districts, universities, healthcare facilities, government institutions, and King Khalid International Airport.

Meanwhile, Riyadh authorities continue expanding the network. Earlier this year, RCRC awarded the contract for the Red Line extension project connecting King Saud University to the Diriyah Gate Development. The extension will add 8.4km and five new stations to the existing network.

Construction has already started on two new metro stations within King Saud University as part of the expansion package. The project aims to strengthen connectivity between educational institutions, healthcare centers, tourism destinations, and residential communities.

Saudi Arabia continues prioritizing transport infrastructure under Vision 2030. Consequently, Riyadh’s metro and bus systems now support broader economic diversification, tourism growth, and urban sustainability goals.

The project also aligns with wider regional transport integration plans. Saudi Arabia recently launched procurement for the GCC railway project linking Kuwait to the UAE border through a 672km Saudi rail corridor. Together, the two projects reinforce the Kingdom’s long-term strategy to improve domestic and regional mobility infrastructure.

Regional planners expect future integration between Riyadh’s urban transit systems and national railway corridors. As a result, passengers and freight operators could benefit from stronger multimodal transport connections across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.

The Kingdom continues investing heavily in large-scale transport projects to position itself as a regional logistics and mobility hub. Therefore, Riyadh’s transport expansion remains central to Saudi Arabia’s long-term infrastructure agenda.

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Overview of King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project in Riyadh

The project features a total of 86 metro stations and six lines. Furthermore, it includes 2,860 stations serving 842 buses. In addition to 80 routes, it is being fully integrated with the metro networks. Thus, it will connect the districts of the city with both commercial and business centers. Quite impressively, the project boasts the capacity to transport well over 500,000 passengers. As a result, it will serve as a primary means of transportation, especially, within residential regions.

Quite impressively, the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project began its very first phase of operations in March 2023. While commenting on the project, SNC’s senior vice president said that it is one of RCDC’s most ambitious plans. Mohamed Youssef further noted that the project aims to reduce carbon footprint as well as enhance the quality of life for the city’s residents. Most importantly, the senior vice president added, the contract’s win underlines the company’s continuous commitment to supporting Saudi Arabi’s Vision 2030. Therefore, SNC-Lavalin will ensure the project’s time delivery to the highest environmental quality. 

Project Fact Sheet

Project Name: King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Project Type: Integrated urban public transport infrastructure project

Project Components: Riyadh Metro and Riyadh Bus Network

Metro Network Length: 176km

Number of Metro Lines: 6

Metro Stations: 85

Bus Fleet Size: More than 840 buses

Bus Routes: 80 routes

Project Delivery Model: Integrated metro and bus transport system

Current Status: Fully operational with ongoing expansion works

Latest Milestone: More than 200 million metro passengers recorded in 2026

Current Expansion: Red Line extension project adding 8.4km and five stations

Strategic Objective: Reduce congestion, improve mobility, support Vision 2030 goals

Estimated Project Value: $22.5bn–$25bn

Project Team

Project Owner: Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)

Government Oversight: Government of Saudi Arabia

Transport Authority: Royal Commission for Riyadh City

Operations and Maintenance Management: SNC-Lavalin

Metro System Operator: Riyadh Metro

Public Bus Network Operator: Riyadh Bus

Red Line Expansion Authority: Royal Commission for Riyadh City

Red Line Extension Scope: King Saud University to Diriyah Gate Development

International Construction and Engineering Partners: Multiple global rail and infrastructure consortiums

Strategic Program Alignment: Saudi Vision 2030