Qatar continues to amaze the world with an extraordinary FIFA World Cup with hundreds of thousands of fans enjoying exciting events and festivals across Qatar. A key feature of the country’s successful tournament plans has been its robust transportation network. Doha Metro and Mowasalat’s bus network have linked all major population districts and commercial venues to airports, stadiums and fan zones with elaborate plans. It is a testament to the host country’s successful planning that Doha Metro and bus network have ensured smooth operations despite the ridership increasing many fold.
Doha Metro’s ridership has surged to around 0.8 million daily passengers during the tournament with partially-opened Lusail Tram also transporting around 30,000 commuters daily. The Metro lines form the main artery of the transport system during the World Cup, as five of the eight World Cup stadiums are directly connected to the Metro stations, while the rest are connected through a range of transport services, including shuttle bus service.
Visiting fans holding Hayya card can travel on Metro and buses free of charge, while others can pay a nominal fare of QR2-3 to get to anywhere in Doha, Lusail, Al Wakrah and other cities and municipalities.
Similarly, over 3,000 Mowasalat buses are also ferrying around 300,000 passengers daily. During first six days of the tournament, Karwa buses transported approximately 940,513 passengers. Karwa fleet comprises taxis, limousine vehicles, mass transport buses, and mini buses.
For the first time in tournament’s history, fans can attend two matches on the same day with stadium to stadium shuttle bus service. Karwa also deserves praise for its user-friendly app, which serves as a guide to all the public and tournament bus routes, timings and journey planning. The Metro and bus operating hours have also been extended for the World Cup.
No traffic jam or stampede has been reported during the tournament, thanks to elaborate traffic arrangements made by the authorities.
The transportation infrastructure in Qatar has seen a great development over the past years to ensure efficiency of mobility during the World Cup. Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and other government agencies have worked to find integrated transportation solutions during the World Cup, including the Doha Metro network, highways, electric buses, and the light tram network connected to the Metro, in line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to reduce dependence on traditional fuel and use sustainable energy sources.
