Riyadh’s Groundbreaking Public Transport Initiative From Saudi Arabia Launches Semester And Annual Tickets For Unlimited Travel Offering A Cost-Effective Solution For Daily Commuters And Travelers In 2026

Published on December 21, 2025

Starting in 2026, Saudi Arabia is revolutionizing Riyadh’s public transport system by introducing semester and annual tickets that offer unlimited travel for a fixed price. This new initiative is designed to provide a cost-effective and convenient solution for daily commuters and travelers, aiming to streamline mobility across the city. With these tickets, residents and visitors will benefit from predictable travel costs, making it easier to navigate Riyadh without the hassle of individual ticket purchases, all while promoting a more sustainable and efficient transportation system.

Starting in January 2026, Riyadh will see a significant improvement in its public transportation system, as new ticket options are introduced to make commuting more affordable and efficient. The Public Transport Authority (RPTA) of Riyadh announced the launch of new semester tickets specifically for students and annual tickets for general commuters, both of which will provide unlimited travel across the city for a fixed price. These tickets are designed to cater to the daily needs of passengers, allowing them to travel without worrying about individual fare costs.

The introduction of these new ticket products is part of the RPTA’s broader strategy to upgrade Riyadh’s public transport network and improve mobility across the capital. The goal is to offer a more convenient and budget-friendly option for residents and students who rely on public transportation to move around the city. With these tickets, commuters can save both time and money by eliminating the need for single-ride payments and making their daily trips predictable.

Starting January 1, 2026, the semester ticket will specifically benefit students, while the annual ticket will be available to everyone, providing a cost-effective alternative for frequent travelers. By offering unlimited travel within the city for a fixed price, these tickets will remove the hassle of purchasing multiple individual tickets, which is often a barrier for those who use public transportation daily.

This initiative is a part of Riyadh’s larger effort to make public transportation more accessible and encourage its use among all segments of the population. The RPTA emphasized that the new ticket options will provide passengers with the flexibility they need to move around the city while keeping travel expenses under control. With predictable costs and the convenience of unlimited travel, these tickets are expected to attract more people to use public transit, further reducing traffic congestion and promoting a more sustainable, eco-friendly mode of transportation.

The launch of these new ticket types is a significant milestone in Riyadh’s ongoing efforts to modernize its public transportation infrastructure. By offering affordable, flexible travel options, the city aims to make commuting easier for everyone, from students heading to class to workers commuting to their jobs. This initiative reflects Riyadh’s commitment to building a more efficient and accessible transportation system that can keep pace with the city’s rapid growth and changing mobility needs.

For many residents, these new tickets offer a long-awaited solution to the challenges of daily commuting in a bustling city. The fixed-price structure of the tickets makes it easier for people to plan their travel costs in advance, ensuring that they won’t be caught off guard by fluctuating fare prices. This is particularly beneficial for students, who often have tight budgets and need an affordable way to get to school and back.

The new semester and annual tickets are also expected to help the city reach its sustainability goals by encouraging more people to rely on public transportation instead of private vehicles. As more commuters make the switch to buses, trains, and other forms of public transit, traffic congestion is expected to decrease, leading to less pollution and a lower carbon footprint for the city as a whole.

The introduction of these new ticket options is just one part of Riyadh’s larger plan to improve its public transport system. The city has been steadily expanding its transit infrastructure in recent years, with new metro lines, bus routes, and other services aimed at making public transport more accessible to all. This commitment to improving the public transportation network is part of a larger vision to create a more sustainable, livable city for residents and visitors alike.

Overall, the new semester and annual tickets set to launch in 2026 are an exciting development for Riyadh’s public transport system. By offering an affordable, convenient, and flexible way to travel, these tickets will make it easier for commuters to get around the city and help the capital become a more connected, sustainable metropolis. With the support of these new ticket options, the RPTA is working to create a transit system that not only meets the needs of today’s commuters but also prepares Riyadh for a future of efficient, eco-friendly mobility.