Bahrain’s public transport usage has been highlighted as a key justification for advancing the Bahrain Metro project, with daily bus trips reaching 33,000 on regular days and rising significantly during weekends and major events. Speaking to MPs, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, His Excellency Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, reaffirmed plans for a two-line metro system as a central pillar of the Kingdom’s mass transit strategy.
The proposed Bahrain Metro will feature two main routes: one linking Bahrain International Airport to Seef, and another running from Juffair to the Educational Area in Isa Town. The minister described the project as one of the most important initiatives under the ministry’s mandate, aimed at expanding sustainable transport options and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla told Parliament that bus demand currently averages 33,000 trips on normal days, increases to around 50,000 on weekends, and can reach up to 75,000 during major events. He said these figures demonstrate the need for higher-capacity mass transit solutions to meet growing mobility demands.
MP Lulwa Al Rumaihi welcomed the update on the first phase of the metro and urged the government to proceed swiftly with subsequent phases. She stressed the importance of extending coverage to all governorates, particularly densely populated areas, to help ease congestion and reduce traffic pressure.
Under the first phase, the ministry has proposed two routes comprising 20 stations in total, with two interchange stations planned at Bahrain Financial Harbour and the Central Market in Manama. The minister noted that recent work has focused on finalising routes, selecting station locations near key residential and commercial zones, and coordinating with the Ministry of Housing to improve access and feeder services.
He added that preparations are ongoing to address land requirements and relocate utilities along the proposed corridors, calling on Parliament to continue supporting the project as Bahrain moves toward a more integrated and efficient public transport network.
