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Karwa to operate massive bus fleet to serve World Cup fans

Karwa to operate massive bus fleet to serve World Cup fans

The Peninsula

With the imminent start of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Mowasalat (Karwa) has intensified its operational preparations for the World Cup, mobilising its fleet and specialised technical teams to ensure a comfortable and smooth transportation experience for the World Cup fans.

About 4,000 buses will be operated during the tournament, of which, 3,000 are dedicated to transporting fans, including more than 800 fully electric buses that operate with zero-carbon emissions. This is in line with modern, comfortable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions, establishing Karwa as a real legacy that keeps pace with the sustainable development projects that Qatar seeks post-tournament.

Karwa said that transportation services during the World Cup period include transportation to and from metro stations and tournament stadiums, transportation to and from “park and move” stops, and transportation service from the main residences in and to Doha. This is in addition to the shuttle bus service dedicated to linking Hamad and Doha International Airports with the stadiums and central Doha, as well as the express bus service to the stadiums, which will provide fans with transportation between all venues for sporting events.

In addition to the Karwa fleet, Metro Link services will operate in 43 tracks to serve 23 metro stations, to transport passengers to and from metro stations as usual and according to service request rates. It noted that there are approximately 248 buses dedicated to Metro Link services, including 90 electric zero-emission buses, and they will operate all days of the week.

Mowasalat pointed out that in order to provide more opportunities for fans and visitors to Qatar, it has allocated a round-the-clock transportation service from Abu Samra border crossing to Al Messila Station in central Doha, in addition to the readiness of more than 76 bus stations dedicated to the event, in central Doha and Corniche. The second and third ring road, next to the tournament buses in the centre of the country, which will operate as usual to serve the fans with ease from any of the main bus centres.

Chief Executive Officer of Operations at Mowasalat, Ahmed Hassan Al Obaidly, said in a press conference held by the organisers of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, that hundreds of buses will be operated, and 25 percent of them will be environmentally friendly and fully electric, with a legacy in transforming transportation into an environmentally friendly system.

He referred to the operation of the public transport network from 4am to 11pm, in addition to Metro Link services, and Metro Express services from 6am to 12pm, in addition to thousands of buses that will operate throughout the day and on different tracks throughout the tournament.

Aside from this, there are more than 3,000 taxis and limousines that will be ready to serve fans, and are stationed at Hamad International Airport, Doha International Airport and vital places in the country. He added that Karwa has completed its readiness to provide fast and safe transportation services.