The Doha Metro and Lusail Tram’s expanded operating hours have been warmly welcomed by commuters, who said that doing so will save money because using a taxi costs more.
From December 20 last year, Qatar Rail has implemented new service hours from Sunday to Wednesday, 5.30am to 11.59pm; Thursday, 5.30am to 1am; Friday, 2pm to 1am and Saturday 6am to 11.59pm.
The Peninsula spoke to some commuters during the late hours of the first working day of 2023, who said that the extended hours of the Metro helped them save money and has been very convenient.
Cassandra from Philippines who has been using the Metro for last two years said her monthly transportation budget has been reduced because of the new schedule.
“It has been really helpful for me as I am working in the night shift. The feeder bus has been efficient as well, transporting passengers from bus stops to the Metro stations.”
Fernando Legha from Tunisia, who has been using both the Metro and Karwa buses, said: “This is the best gift that was birthed from the World Cup. It’s helpful because I go to work at 6am, thank you Doha Metro!”
Metro Services during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 operated from 6am to 3am throughout the week except on Friday when the service started at 9am.
During the World Cup, Qatar Rail reported that 18.2 million passengers used the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks.
Those using the Metro in the past two weeks during the late hours could have seen that the ridership has increased because people who are working mid or night shifts opt to use the public transport.
Thomas from Sri Lanka said the new timing is convenient for everyone. “Excellent development from the Qatar Rail!”
Late in December last year, the Ministry of Transport announced a massive expansion of Metro. The Red line will be extended to Mesaieed, and the Green line to Industrial area and Muaither. Besides, it will introduce a Blue line, also known as City line, which will connect C-Ring Road, West Bay, and Airport City.
