Riyadh Metro and Transportation Experience Survey
- Aman Zaid
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
Survey Overview:
The opening of the Riyadh Metro is one of the technological developments taking place in the transportation sector in Saudi Arabia, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The Riyadh Metro is a massive project spanning six lines in the capital, Riyadh, with a capacity of more than 3 million passengers per day. It is 176 kilometers long and has both aboveground and underground tracks. The Riyadh Metro's operators have been keen to provide a seamless and seamless user experience, from booking tickets through its dedicated Darb app to the user experience.
We at Steady Pace Consultancy conducted a carefully researched survey of Riyadh Metro users to better understand their user experience, behaviors, preferences, and expectations. 46% of respondents reported that their primary motivation for using the Riyadh Metro was to save time and avoid traffic congestion, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of public transportation in improving the quality of mobility within the city. 24% of Riyadh Metro users also expected it to provide safer and more efficient transportation options, which would boost the economy and attract significant investment. Interesting details can be found in the Riyadh Metro and Transportation Experience Survey.
The survey began by asking participants why they preferred using the Riyadh Metro, the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Answers varied between speed, safety, and services.
What factors would make you choose the Riyadh Metro as your primary means of transportation?
46% of the survey sample chose the time-saving and traffic-avoidance factors, while a similar percentage, 31%, chose the reasonable cost compared to other means of transportation. The remaining percentages varied in number but aimed to express the importance of modern technology in providing safety, environmental conservation, and speed in providing transportation services.
According to Engineer Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Riyadh Metro network took into account the volume of traffic on the city's roads and streets, as well as the targeted impact on the road network in terms of congestion, fuel consumption, pollution, and other elements related to the city's transportation system.
Given that congestion is inevitable, especially in large, highly populated cities, it was important to ask users about the most important factors when choosing their daily mode of transportation?
26% of the sample considered journey speed and time the most important factor in choosing a mode of transportation, while those who preferred to avoid traffic congestion were equally divided. Conversely, 17% indicated that cost was the deciding factor in their daily decision. The remaining participants' opinions varied regarding their priorities, reflecting different needs and preferences regarding transportation methods.
Since the launch of the Riyadh Metro project in December 2024, its operators have been striving to provide an exceptional customer experience. When you browse the Riyadh Metro website, you'll see a survey on the interface to evaluate the experience and express expectations for the Riyadh Metro.
In this context, Steady Pace Consultancy concluded its survey on user expectations for the Riyadh Metro, and what, in their view, the greatest impact it will have on Riyadh. The largest percentage, at 43%, favored reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. Other percentages varied between boosting the economy, providing more efficient and safe transportation options, and attracting more investment.
