Ricardo successfully completes safety assessment role on Riyadh's new metro network

The first lines of Riyadh’s fully automated metro system have opened for passenger service, setting a new benchmark for urban transportation in the region.

November 27th saw operations commence on three routes, including the Gold Line which serves King Khalid International Airport and the King Abdullah Financial District.

Three further lines will open over the coming weeks to complete the six-line system that will feature 84 stations across its 176km network, at which point it will become the longest driverless metro system in the world.

Ricardo was appointed as the Independent Safety Assessor in 2014, tasked with performing audits of safety plans, processes and documents at every stage of the metro’s construction, from design and manufacture to installation, testing and trial operations.

Our multi-disciplined team in Riyadh – which comprised of a mix of local and international experts - brought extensive experience of constructing systems in similar climates – e.g Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi - to ensure best practice was followed and to also help resolve emerging issues as efficiently as possible.

Michael Newman, Global Managing Director, Rail, commented:

“We are delighted to witness the successful start of services on Riyadh’s stunning new metro. Having been a partner in the project for more than a decade it has been a privilege to support the system’s evolution from initial drawings to full operation and play our part as a trusted source of safety advice throughout  We now look forward to bringing the insights gained over the past ten years to other systems in their early stages of planning and help ensure they meet the same high standards from the very outset”.

Once fully operational the system is forecast to carry up to three million passengers a day, helping to reduce car dependency and traffic congestion whilst the city’s population continues to grow. Plans for a seventh route are already underway.

As well as maintaining the highest standards of safety across it operations, sustainability sits at the heart of designs with stations powered by solar energy and rolling stock fitted with regenerative braking systems. Plans are also in place for the network to eventually operate on 100% renewable energy.

Learn more about our Independent Safety Assessment service.