Free transportation to Riyadh Metro stations to begin next February

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) intends to start the first free transportation trips "first and last mile" for Riyadh Metro and bus passengers in February 2025, Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper reported.

According to the newspaper, it is expected that a tender will be launched to contract with passenger transport companies to transport residents from neighborhoods for free for six months to Riyadh Metro and bus stations, and offer 50% discount on fares during the remaining six months.

The "first and last mile" service will be provided within three ranges and within specific geographical limits and conditions, not exceeding two trips per day for each user, so that the service is available for trips within a radius of between 1 and 5 kilometers, or as the competent authorities deem appropriate, the Commission said.

It added that the number of first and last mile trips is expected to range from 3.53- 4 million, during the framework agreement period, noting that the Metro covers six main lines that connect the various neighborhoods of the city, including main stations that connect the lines to each other.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, inaugurated on Nov. 27 the Riyadh Metro Project, which is the backbone of the public transportation network in Riyadh and one of the elements of its transportation system.

The project includes six lines spanning 176 kilometers, with 85 stations, including four main stations. Riyadh Metro is integrated with Riyadh Bus project that spans over 1,900 kilometers.

The six lines will be operated in stages. The Red Line and Green Line will launch services on Dec. 15, while the Orange Line will be operated on Jan. 5, 2025.