Qatar's policy towards achieving targets of sustainable development is being implemented with remarkable pace and it covers different areas including transport.
The state has been long in pursuit of an electric and sustainable transportation system, incorporating both electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) into its vision. In line with goals like Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, the Ministry of Transport is pushing for an eco-friendly transformation. Transitioning to electric buses and embracing autonomous vehicles will bring in cleaner air, lower energy consumption, and a safer, more efficient transportation system, ultimately enhancing the well-being of citizens and residents.
The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is working to achieve the gradual transition of Qatar’s public transport bus system to 100% electric fleet by 2030, said an official recently. The Director of the Land Transport Licensing Department at MoT, said the operating rate of electric buses has reached approximately 70%, 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.
Qatar is also working on Transportation Master Plan – 2050 which works as a roadmap for investing in land transportation infrastructure and identifies the frameworks and future orientations for developing the transportation networks nationwide in a way that ensures their integration with land uses, urban development, population growth and meeting the future demand for transportation.
Sustainability is the cornerstone of this Plan, given the great impact this concept has on economic and environmental development, by striking a balance between the requirements of economic growth and environmental protection and contributing to reducing climate change by putting into effect long-term initiatives that contribute to transitioning to sustainable transportation.
The Plan, also helps achieve financial sustainability of the land transportation sector by covering the largest possible ratio of operating costs through executing transportation demand management policies, and public-private partnerships for investing in and contributing to building and operating the country’s transportation systems.
Qatar ranks ninth globally in the 2023 Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index as it actively supports the adoption of EVs as part of its transport infrastructure. It currently has around 200 EV charging stations all around the country and aims to install 600 stations by 2025.
