Riyadh Metro: A Ticket to Change?

Transport in Saudi Arabia has long revolved around cars, making the Riyadh Metro’s launch a significant milestone. While celebrated as a modern solution , public transport hasn’t traditionally been a preferred option for Saudis. The question is, will Riyadh’s notorious traffic push people to reconsider their social perceptions and embrace this shift?

From Cars to Collective Transport

The opening of the Riyadh Metro station feels like the start of a new chapter for Saudi Arabia. For decades, getting around meant relying on private cars—a necessity shaped by the country’s vast geography, harsh weather, and a culture where walking for social purposes was uncommon. Growing up, many of us remember how limited transportation options were, particularly for women, who often depended on male relatives or private drivers. Services like Careem and Uber eventually offered a more flexible alternative in 2015, but the idea of public transport remained distant for most.

The Value of Public Transportation

The Riyadh Metro represents more than just a new way to travel—it signals a broader shift toward modern, collective, and accessible transportation. Many art pieces are being exhibited at the station public spaces use, etc it is obvious that the government aims at attracting people to use public transport.

Seeing how successful the Makkah-Jeddah-Madinah bullet train has been, with over 15 million passengers since its launch, it’s clear that Saudis are ready to embrace these changes. I know women who have spoken about how this train transformed their ability to travel independently to Makkah and Madinah, removing the need to rely on someone else’s schedule. It’s not just practical; it’s empowering. 

Who Will Use the Riyadh Metro?

It’s natural to wonder who will benefit most from the Riyadh Metro. Will it primarily serve workers, Saudis, or tourists? When I think of the Dubai Metro, I recall how it became indispensable for thousands of expatriates and visitors. Still, Emiratis onboard seemed rare—at least in my experience. Will the Riyadh Metro be different?

With projections of up to 3.6 million daily passengers, it could become a vital part of everyday life for a broad spectrum of society. Beyond that, the metro is expected to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 500,000 tons annually, reflecting a collective commitment to environmental responsibility.

The efforts done are tremendous raising awareness and the benefits (tickets available from daily to monthly to $38) and station names all combination of names resonating with the saudi mind.

A Broader Lens on Change

To me, the Riyadh Metro isn’t just about solving traffic problems—it’s about rethinking how we approach daily life. For so long, cars symbolized independence and convenience in Saudi culture. This shift to public transportation challenges that mindset, offering us a chance to adopt more sustainable and inclusive practices. It’s a step toward a future where our cities feel more connected, both physically and socially.

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