The newly created Jeddah Metro Company is reviewing its options on how to develop the planned metro network in Jeddah.

The company is said to be looking to work with companies that can ensure the metro is fully integrated with other forms of transport such as overland rail lines and bus networks within the city of Jeddah.

According to local press reports, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Mansour bin Miteb said in late April that the tenders for the metro project are to be released soon.

The Jeddah Metro Company was set up in March as a joint venture of the Jeddah Municipality and the Jeddah Urban Development Company (JUDC). A senior official at the JUDC, Ibrahim Katabkhana, was appointed the company’s chief executive officer (CEO).

The metro will have three major lines. A 67-kilometre Orange Line will connect Mecca Road with Obhur, including 22 stations, and include a branch line that will run east along Sari Street.

The 24km Blue Line will contain 17 stations and will link King Abdulaziz International airport to the Old Airport Road. The Green Line will run alongside Palestine Road for 17km. It will also contain a branch line to the old airport at the end of the Haramain Railway, along with seven stations.

French firm Egis is continuing to work with the authorities on the early designs for the project.