Riyadh Metro: 100 million riders, bright new 5:30am start

Image credit: Saudi Press Agency/ Website

In a move designed to better accommodate students, early-shift workers, and morning commuters, Riyadh Metro will now start daily operations at 5:30am, the city’s public transport authority has confirmed.

This schedule adjustment comes in direct response to growing commuter demand and is aimed at reducing congestion during peak hours, particularly on busy corridors.

Officials stated that the change is also part of Riyadh’s broader push to cut private vehicle use and improve air quality, a Saudi Gazette report said.

Read more-Riyadh Metro: 5 ways it will boost transport in Saudi’s biggest city

The move supports Riyadh’s ongoing strategy to expand and modernise its public transit network in line with the capital’s sustainability and quality-of-life objectives.

100 million passengers since December launch

The new operating hours follow an impressive milestone: Riyadh Metro has served over 100 million passengers since it launched in December 2024, according to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC).

According to a Saudi Press Agency report, This achievement was reached in less than nine months, highlighting the rapid adoption and popularity of the metro system. The Blue Line, which runs along the Olaya-Batha corridor, saw the highest ridership with 46.5 million passengers, followed by the Red Line on King Abdullah Road with 17 million and the Orange Line on Al Madinah Al Munawwarah Road with 12 million. The other three lines together transported 24.5 million riders.

Punctual and popular

Riyadh Metro has also earned praise for its punctuality, recording an operational on-time rate of 99.78 per cent. Some of the busiest stations include Qasr Al Hokm, KAFD, stc, and the National Museum, which together accounted for over 29 per cent of total passenger traffic.

Seamlessly connected to a wide-reaching bus network, on-demand shuttles, and public transport parking facilities, the metro is a key part of Riyadh’s vision for a modern, accessible, and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem. Authorities say these efforts aim to provide convenient, reliable alternatives to private car use for both residents and visitors.