RCRC orders 94 new train sets for the Riyadh Metro fleet expansion
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) announced the signing of contracts to purchase 94 new train sets to enhance the Riyadh Metro fleet, support future mobility growth in the capital and keep pace with the city’s development and needs in the coming years. This new order will increase the number of train sets in the network from 183 to 277, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028.
The contracts — valued at around SAR 5.5 billion — will be executed by German manufacturer Siemens and French rolling stock builder Alstom. The scope includes manufacturing trains, systems, and equipment, as well as maintenance, training, and other technical and operational requirements. The trains will be received in phases, then undergo testing and operational trials before entering service gradually.
This fleet enhancement comes amid the continuous growth witnessed by the Riyadh Metro network, which has recorded around 300 million passenger trips since starting operation in December 2024. Average monthly ridership increased by 25% during 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The expansion also prepares for the expected rise in mobility demand as Riyadh continues to grow, develop new destinations and projects, and host major global events — most notably the upcoming Expo 2030 Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup™.
The Riyadh Metro network was originally designed to accommodate larger numbers of trains and to expand its capacity gradually as ridership grows. This new order will contribute to raising the overall capacity of the network by 60%, by distributing the additional capacity across the existing six lines, according to expected passenger loads and demand. Capacity on the Red Line will increase by 142%, the Yellow Line by 116%, the Blue Line by 60% — holding the highest capacity — the Orange Line by 27% and the Purple Line by 16%.
This investment is part of RCRC’s comprehensive efforts to expand the Saudi capital’s public transport system with a long-term focus on supporting the city’s population, urban and economic growth. Increasing the metro fleet will further strengthen the network’s ability to meet future mobility needs of residents and visitors, as Riyadh continues its transformation into a major global metropolis.
