Saudi Arabia has reached a significant milestone in modern transportation with the launch of the world’s longest driverless transit system.
The fully automated Riyadh Metro is projected to handle an impressive 3.6 million daily passengers once operational at full capacity. This advancement is expected to ease congestion across the city and significantly cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 12.5 million tons annually, equating to about 10.8 million metric tonnes.
At the heart of the network are 85 stations, each designed for efficiency and user comfort. A standout among these is the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station, a remarkable structure by Zaha Hadid Architects. Known for its striking latticed curves, the station combines aesthetics with function, offering respite from Riyadh’s extreme summer heat while ensuring smooth navigation for passengers.
The fleet includes 69 Alstom Metropolis trains and 47 Innovia Metro trains, all powered by electricity. These driverless trains, divided into first-class, family-class, and singles-class compartments, are equipped with ergonomic seating, LED lighting, air-conditioning, and a real-time passenger information system.
Alstom, a key contributor to the project, highlights the advanced technology in play: “The trains are driverless. The train movements are protected by a state-of-the-art signaling system controlling the speed of the trains, ensuring smooth and safe operations including automatic opening of the train doors,” said Alstom.
Passengers benefit from air-conditioned stations equipped with platform screen doors for enhanced safety and convenience. Real-time updates via onboard screens and loudspeakers ensure seamless communication at every stage of the journey.
In parallel with the Riyadh Metro, Saudi Arabia is spearheading futuristic projects like Neom and has aspirations to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, signaling its drive to become a global hub for innovation and entertainment.
