The BACS consortium has announced the opening of Riyadh Metro’s first phase comprising the 64km Blue Line and Red Line. The Blue Line begins service on 1 December, followed by the Red Line on 15 December. The BACS consortium includes Bechtel, Almabani General Contractors, Consolidated Contractors Company, and Siemens Mobility.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud officially inaugurated the Riyadh Metro as the future backbone of the capital's public transport network on November 27. A phased opening to passengers is planned between December 1 and January 5.

The metro, which will eventually span 176 kilometers, is set to become the world’s longest driverless metro system. This new public transportation network is expected to help ease traffic congestion and reduce the city’s reliance on cars.

King Salman has inaugurated the Riyadh Metro as Saudi Arabia welcomes launch of 176km transport network The Riyadh Metro will officially launch on Sunday, December 1 and a phased opening will see additional lines opened.

The project is considered the backbone of the public transport network in Riyadh and an element of the transportation system in the city