Saudi Arabia will begin operations of its new Riyadh Metro system on November 27, with three of six lines opening in the first phase, the Saudi Gazette reported citing another report by Al Eqtisadiah newspaper. The remaining three lines will begin service in mid-December, completing the network which officials say will be the world’s longest driverless metro system, the report said. The project, which received approval from the Saudi Council of Ministers in 2012 at a cost of $22.5 billion (SAR84.4 billion), forms part of the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy. The metro will provide alternative transportation to reduce reliance on vehicles and support Riyadh’s transformation into a hub for trade and business, the report said, adding that the initial launch will see operations begin on routes from Al-Orouba to Batha, along King Khalid International Airport Road, and at the intersection of Abdulrahman Bin Auf Street with Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussein Street. The second phase in December will introduce services along King Abdullah Road, Al-Madina, and King Abdulaziz Road. Solar panels installed at stations and depots will generate 20 percent of the power needed for primary electrical systems. The entire network will operate on renewable energy sources, featuring energy-efficient trains and regenerative braking technology. The project, awarded to three […]