Autonomous minibus with zero carbon emissions on trial at Qatar Foundation's Campus.
As many as 3,000 buses complying to global specifications of environmental protection, including 25 percent electric buses, will be deployed to ferry the fans during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, fulfilling the commitment of Qatar to deliver first carbon-neutral World Cup.
“We have used or tested about one third of the total of 3,000 buses which will be used during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” said Mobility Director at Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) Thani Al Zarraa.
Speaking on a Qatar Radio programme recently, he said that 25 percent of total targeted buses will be electric operating with clean energy and remaining ones will comply with the global specifications in terms of not affecting the environment.
“These buses will serve all segments including media persons, workforce and fans. Free transportation will be provided to the fans holding match tickets in vital areas such as central Doha and areas surrounding the stadiums,” said Al Zarraa.
Speaking about the launch of the electric buses which are supposed to be used during the mega sporting event, he said that the electric buses have been tested during several occasions such as final match of Amir Cup 2021 during the opening of Al Thumama Stadium and during the first FIFA Arab Cup hosted by Qatar.
Giving time frame of the delivery of buses, Al Zarraa said: “These buses are being delivered regularly in batches as they are being manufactured and shipped to Qatar. All buses are expected to be delivered by the end of first quarter (Q1) of 2022.”
The buses will be different in sizes such as 8-seater mini buses, 20 and 36-seater buses which will be used in different areas as per the need. For example, Al Zarraa said: “Shuttle buses will run at Corniche Street in addition to the bus services will be on B and C Ring Roads.
The buses will carry passengers from accommodations to vital areas. Express bus service will be available for stadiums.”
He said that the public transporation system is connected with vital areas across the country starting from northern parts of the country to central parts and southern parts of the country like Al Wakra and Al Wukair.
“As we promised that FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be unique as it will be held first time in Middle East so it will be from various aspects including providing eco-friendly transportation,” said Al Zarraa.
To a question about the plans of Mobility Operation Department during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he said the transport operation will be run by all entities concerned separately in coordination with mobility coordination center according to the proposed plans with alternative routes.
