The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has signed contracts to procure and manufacture 94 new trains for the capital’s metro network, increasing its fleet to 277 from 183, with deliveries scheduled to begin in batches in 2028. The new trains are expected to boost the network’s overall passenger capacity by 57%, with increases varying by line: 142% on the red line, 116% on the yellow line, 57% on the blue line, 27% on the orange line and 16% on the purple line. Additional capacity will be allocated according to ridership and projected demand. The expansion comes as the Riyadh Metro has recorded about 275 million passenger trips since December 2024. Average monthly ridership in 2026 has risen by around 25% compared with the same period in 2025. The investment is intended to accommodate anticipated growth in travel demand as Riyadh expands and prepares to host major international events, including Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Germany’s Siemens and France’s Alstom are carrying out the contracts, which are worth more than $5 billion in total and cover train manufacturing, systems and equipment, maintenance, training and other technical and operational services. The trains will be delivered in stages as manufacturing is completed, then undergo testing and operational trials before gradually entering service. The investment is part of broader efforts to develop Riyadh’s transport infrastructure, including public transit, roads and intersections, to meet the needs of the capital’s growing population and urban expansion.
