French state-owned transport operator Regie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) has signed a $2bn contract with Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) to install, operate and maintain a bus network in Riyadh.Â
The contract will run for more than 10 years, with the first services in operation in 2016. Around 4,200 jobs will be created during construction.Â
The network will have a fleet of more than 1,000 buses, which will be able to transport 900,000 passengers a day. It will consist of 22 routes covering 1,200km across the city. In addition, 756 metro cars, 85 stations and six metro lines will be built.Â
Khalid Al Hogail, SAPTCO chairman and managing director, said: "We will implement our expertise to offer a high level of service quality and satisfy expectations."Â
Drake & Scull were recently awarded a $130m contract for residential compounds in Riyadh and Hochtief won a $2.9bn Riyadh airport expansion.