As Public Bus Infrastructure Programme is being implemented at a fast pace by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) in collaboration with other state entities, it is set to increase public transit ridership in the next few years.
The programme will achieve integration between public transit systems and will also support transit operation during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the MoT said in a tweet.
Enhancing Qatar’s position as a leading country in using eco-friendly electric vehicles is also part of main objectives of the Public Bus Infrastructure Programme. “It will offer high-quality service and facilities with world's best technologies and specifications that reflect Qatar’s advanced public transit sector,” reads the tweet.
Reducing carbon emissions of fossil fuel vehicles and improving overall air and climate quality in Qatar are also among main objectives of the programme.
Under Public Bus Infrastructure Programme, many projects are underway like establishing bus depots and bus stations. Recently, Mowasalat, on their Twitter account, announced that five new bus stations are now open across Qatar in coordination with the Ministry of Transport. The new bus stations are located at Lusail, Al Rayyan, Al Sudan, Industrial Area and Al Wakrah. Three more bus stations will be opening soon in Al Gharafa, West Bay and Msheireb.
Four bus depots are being established in Lusail, Al Rayyan, Al Wakra and New Industrial Area. The new depots will include a bus care centre and bus parking spaces fully equipped with an infrastructure supportive of e-bus charging. They will also include residential and recreational facilities and mosques.
In April this year, Hamad Port had received the last batch of 130 electric buses that will be fully operated by Mowasalat (Karwa) as part of public transportation plans for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The batch had completed the supply of all 741 units ordered for the upcoming World Cup. The buses will become a permanent legacy of mass transportation for clean energy after the tournament. The step will enhance Qatar’s position as a leader in the field of mass transportation of clean energy to be among the first countries in the world to have an integrated electric bus system.
The ‘Park and Ride’ facility is also available near four Doha Metro stations — Lusail, Education City, Al Wakra and Al Qassar. ‘Park and Ride’ supports the country’s public transportation network and Doha Metro services for members of the society, visitors and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans.
The step will enhance Qatar’s position as a leader in the field of mass transportation of clean energy to be among the first countries in the world to have an integrated electric bus system.
The ‘Park and Ride’ facility is also available near four Doha Metro stations — Lusail, Education City, Al Wakra and Al Qassar. ‘Park and Ride’ supports the country’s public transportation network and Doha Metro services for members of the society, visitors and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans.
The Public Bus Infrastructure Programme also includes establishing a ferry terminal and parking spaces (water taxi) in Lusail, Doha Port, Hamad International Airport and The Pearl-Qatar.
The Ministry of Transport also launched a transportation master plan last month. The newly-launched Transportation Master Plan for Qatar (TMPQ) will increase public transport accessibility to education facilities and workplaces by 50%. There will be 81% increase in the ridership of public transport modes under expected impacts of TMPQ. It will cause around 50% reduction in passengers’ vulnerability to traffic congestion while it will also increase truck mobility by 30%.
