Photo credit: Abdul Basit/ The Peninsula
In line with the fourth phase of gradual lifting of COVID-19 curbs on public transit, Doha Metro resumed its services at 30% capacity on Tuesday. Prior to its resumption, Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) affirmed the safety of passengers as it implemented a series of precautionary and operational measures, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC).
Today morning, a small number of commuters started using the Doha Metro and buses while adhering to precautionary measures imposed on the public transit as it operates with only 30% capacity. Social distancing among passengers and wearing of masks were also observed throughout the journey.
As part of its measures to help curb the virus, Qatar Rail stated that passengers need to present their Etheraz app health status and have their temperature checked. Only passengers with green health status and a body temperature of below 37.8°C are permitted entry.
As many as 300 hand sanitizers are installed in strategic locations across all Doha Metro stations. Social distancing signages and floor signs were also positioned in the facilities, most especially at queuing points by the Travel Card Vending machines, gold club, and fare gates.
Qatar Rail also stated that all touchpoints at stations and on trains including the Travel Card Vending machines, escalators, and stair rails, and the gold club offices, will be regularly sanitized.
Pre-booking ride tickets online and the use of contactless Travel Cards are also encouraged to further reduce the number of contact touchpoints throughout the journey. Customers can now use debit cards in addition to credit cards to top up online through the website or Qatar Rail App.
In a statement, Qatar Rail said: "To ensure enforcement of the new procedures, on-site security guards, customer service agents, and revenue protection staff will strictly monitor compliance across all stations and on trains."
Furthermore, Doha Mero staff also received extra training to ensure proper implementation of rules to help curb the virus in the country.
As threats of the Coronavirus still loom, Qatar Rail calls on all citizens and residents to adhere to the precautionary measures imposed on the public transit.
