DOHA: Transformation from single occupant vehicles to mass transit in Qatar could happen gradually through a change in the mind-set of the people, a seminar at Qatar Foundation was told yesterday.
The event titled “planning and promoting use of public transport” involving youth from Qatar and other GCC states took place at the QF Student Centre.
It was held by Mowasalat, in collaboration with the International Association of Public Transport (UITP.
“Transformation from single occupant vehicle transportation to mass transit will not happen on its own. Growth of ridership and usage of mass transportation will happen gradually by changing the mental perception, making mass transportation attractive, remove hurdles and to give priority on road by supporting with planning and development,” said Mowasalat’s CEO Khalid Al Hail, addressing the delegates.
“We want to set high standards in public transport services embracing innovation and technology and alternate green gas fuel solutions and provide varied options of transportation for customers to help reduce congestion and pollution and for improved life style,” he added.
Nasser Al Khanji, Mowasalat’s Executive Director, Support Services, said: “Growth and usage of public transport should be proportionate to growing urbanisation and population. Single occupant vehicle transportation will cause traffic woes, congestion, and pollution and will have a negative impact in economic growth and quality of life.”
Qatar University students gave a presentation on road accidents and there was another presentation by the Kuwaiti student delegation on pollution.
This was followed by a presentation by Dr Rakesh Behlwal, Professor at Sohar University of Oman on the “Youth for Public Transport” programme and the associated activities.
The event also included presentations by Alessandra Gorini, director of the UITP Youth for Public Transport (Y4PT) and a round table of students aided by experts.
The event was centered on youth perspective and answers to overcome the challenges of the increasing urbanisation, congestion and pollution. It also included a discussion on how to achieve the transformation from single occupant vehicle transportation to mass transit gradually.
Minister of Transport and Mowasalat chairman HE Jassem Saif Al Sulaiti presented Ipads to the student participant. Certificates were handed over Nasser Al Khanji.
The Peninsula
