The King Abdulaziz Project for Public Transport in Riyadh is progressing as per schedule and on track for launch next year, said a report.

It comprises a modern train network supported by a multiple feeder bus service to ease traffic congestion in the capital, the Saudi Gazette reported.

Twenty international companies from 11 countries are working around the clock to complete the project.

The Riyadh metro is the backbone of the public transport system comprising six main lines running 176 km long, covering most densely populated areas, government facilities, and commercial, educational and health activities. The $23-billion metro is also connected to King Khalid International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District, universities, the city centre, public transport hub and railway lines.

The bus network will be the main feeder of the Riyadh metro. It will also be the main means of transportation within and among Riyadh districts. A total of 1,000 buses of different sizes and capacities will transport 900,000 passengers per day on 24 tracks extending over 1,200 km covering the entire city.