JEDDAH — Tenders for Jeddah Metro's first phase will be issued this year, an official from Jeddah Metro Company said. The system, due to be established by 2022, will comprise light trains, such as trams, along the Corniche and Al Dawai trains. Jeddah Metro will also serve Al Muntalaq Station, due to be connected with Haramain train to provide a seamless journey to Makkah. The project, which is expected to cost $11.9 billion (SR45 billion), will provide transport to 30% of Jeddah's commuters by the year 2040. Executive director of the Jeddah Metro Company, Dr. Osama Abda, said the first phase of the project will be tendered this year, and the rest in 2016. French Sistra Company has been nominated for consultation on engineering designs for the project. The metro will consist of four lines colored red, blue, green and orange for reference, Abda said. — SG
