RCRC announces launch of first phase of Riyadh Bus service covering 15 routes

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has announced the launch of the first phase of the Riyadh Bus service as part of the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project (KAPT). The launch phase includes a fleet of more than 340 buses serving passengers at 633 bus stations and stops, 15 routes with a total of 86 tracks.

RCRC said the first phase of Riyadh Bus project is part of a strategic project designed to serve the mobility needs of the city and encourages a shift towards public transport. It will improve connectivity between the communities, neighborhoods and commercial centers in Riyadh and help ease traffic congestion, enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors.

The launch is part of a five-phase rollout of the bus network that will include 800 buses covering 1900 km on 86 routes and more than 2,900 stations and stops once fully operational.

The Riyadh Bus service will enhance mobility and provide residents an efficient public transport option to commute to offices, schools and leisure and entertainment venues, reducing the need for private cars and easing traffic congestion in the city of Riyadh.

On this occasion, RCRC launched an online portal www.riyadhbus.sa and Riyadh Bus application that provides passengers various services such as information about bus routes and options to buy tickets online.

The cost of a journey aboard Riyadh Bus is SAR 4 and the ticket is valid for two hours, starting from the first login on the buses or from the activation of the ticket through mobile phone application. The commuters can transfer to another bus using the same ticket during the two-hour period. Children under the age of six can commute for free.

The Riyadh Bus tickets are available through multiple channels, including ‘Darb Card’, mobile phone applications, vending machines at the bus stations, and passengers can also buy tickets on board using credit cards and mobile devices.

RCRC said Riyadh Bus service would contribute to reducing air pollution and protecting public health by operating environmentally friendly buses that run on low-sulfur fuel. The availability of a safe, convenient, and efficient public transport will also help reduce air pollution caused by carbon emissions from private cars.

The King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project (KAPT) is an integrated network of metro trains and buses and it aims to meet the current and future mobility needs in the city of Riyadh, providing a modern and safe public transport service to residents and visitors.

The Riyadh Metro network, which is the backbone of the city’s public transport project, includes six metro lines with a combined length of 176 kilometres covering 85 stations. The transport network will be launched in phases, beginning with the Riyadh Bus service and the full network will be operational by end of next year.