33,000 Daily Bus Trips Highlight Need for Two-Line Bahrain Metro

wBahrain’s public transport system records around 33,000 bus trips on regular days, rising to 50,000 on weekends and up to 75,000 during major events, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications told Parliament on Tuesday.

Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said these figures show the growing demand for mass transit and support plans for a two-line Bahrain Metro. The proposed routes will run from **Bahrain International Airport to Seef, and from Juffair to the Educational Area.

“The Bahrain Metro project is moving forward, God willing, and it is one of the ministry’s most important projects,” the minister said, describing it as key to expanding public transport in the Kingdom.

Responding to the update, MP Lulwa Al Rumaihi welcomed progress on the first phase and called for the next phase to begin without long delays. She said extending the network across all governorates would help reduce dependence on private cars and ease traffic congestion, especially in densely populated areas.

According to the ministry, the first phase includes two main routes with 20 stations. Two interchange stations are planned—one at Bahrain Financial Harbour and another at the Central Market in Manama.

The minister added that work is currently focused on finalising routes, selecting station locations near major residential and commercial areas, and improving access to stations. This includes coordination with the Ministry of Housing and plans to strengthen feeder bus services.

He also noted that preparations are ongoing to address land requirements and relocate services along the planned corridors, and urged MPs to continue supporting the project.