Riyadh metro Red and Green lines open to passengers
SAUDI ARABIA: The next phase of the Riyadh metro project was completed on December 15 with the launch of passenger services on the Red and Green lines.
Istanbul tramway approval hints at political détente over transport investment
TURKEY: Istanbul municipality has been given the go-ahead by the city’s governor to develop the planned 21 km Üsküdar – Kadıköy – Maltepe tram line, following a ruling that no environmental impact assessment would be required for the project.
King inaugurates Riyadh Metro ahead of public opening
SAUDI ARABIA: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud officially inaugurated the Riyadh Metro as the future backbone of the capital’s public transport network on November 27. A phased opening to passengers is planned between December 1 and January 5.
Adaray suburban rail service launched
TURKEY: Republic Day on October 29 was marked by launch of Adaray suburban services between the city of Adapazarı and Arifiye, over an 8·5 km branch from the Istanbul – Ankara main line.
King Abdullah Financial District monorail contract signed
SAUDI ARABIA: Contracts have been awarded for the construction of a monorail within Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District mixed-use development. This is intended to reduce the need for private vehicles as part of the vision for a walkable ‘10 min city’.