Developing transportation sector Qatar has made huge progress in the transportation sector over the past decades. The state has launched and implemented an ambitious agenda to develop a sustainable transportation network, driving country’s continued growth and building a knowledge economy. Country’s flagship transportation network, the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram, has revolutionised the transportation sector since its opening. The three Metro lines carry tens of thousands of commuters every day, while Lusail Tram network has also gradually been expanded. Minister of Transport H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani announced the opening of the new Turquoise line on the Lusail Tram network this week, marking a significant expansion of the city’s public transportation system. This addition is part of Qatar’s comprehensive plan to develop an integrated and efficient public transportation system that incorporates cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. The opening of the Turquoise Line introduces the Lusail QNB interchange station, which now operates alongside Legtaifiya station. Lusail tram network extends to cover 19 kilometres of routes, offering affordable and environment-friendly transport to 25 stations throughout its four line: Pink, Orange, Purple, and Turquoise. Last month, Doha Metro reached the milestone of 200 million ridership since the launch of its service in 2019. It shows the growing public trust in the metro system among residents and visitors throughout the year. Qatar is also implementing a programme to transition its public bus system to completely electric by 2030. Officials have said that the operating rate of electric buses has already reached approximately 70 percent, supported by an integrated infrastructure that achieves multiple benefits, the most important of which is saving energy and fuel consumption, reducing harmful emissions and the country’s carbon footprint, and thus improving the quality of life. The Minister of Transport recently also laid the foundation stone for an electric bus assembly plant at Um Alhoul Free Zone, in collaboration between Mowasalat (Karwa), Yutong and Qatar Free Zones Authority. The project aims at establishing a production hub for EU-standard electric buses on an area of nearly 53,000 square metres. The construction is set to be complete by the end of 2025. By then, the facility will have begun producing electric city buses, metro feeder buses, school buses, and more, with an initial output capacity of 300 buses a year. Expansion of the tram network coupled with increased number of operational hours of the Doha Metro network announced recently would facilitate the commuters and aid country’s efforts to cut carbon footprint associated with the transportation sector.
