Qatar is fast developing a sustainable public transport system under the country’s National Vision 2030 and a number of steps taken in recent years have already provided a solid base to the government to move ahead in achieving its goals within set time frames.
A number of government entities including the Ministry of Transport, the Public Works Authority, Kahramaa and others are collaborating to materialise the country’s vision of environmentally-friendly transportation system. Qatar’s electric vehicle strategy is being executed by authorities concerned.
Following the same vision, over 1,100 buses will be deployed during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 while 25% of public transport will become electric by 2022. For this purpose, Qatar is also building several major stations for electric buses and will have 2,700 bus stops by 2022.
Recently Qatar launched the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy in pursuit of the country’s goals towards sustainability. The new strategy will deliver three objectives of enhancing the health and vitality of environment, improving the well-being of Qatari population, and ensuring economy’s resilience.
Regarding the country’s efforts to transform existing public transport system to a sustainable mode, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahrama), are executing the electric vehicle strategy prepared by the Ministry of Transport in association with bodies concurred. Several executive bodies alongside Mowasalat (Karwa) and other national companies with contributions to the strategy are putting the strategy in motion according to the timetables.
Part of the execution plan is Kahramaa’s providing and installing over 600 charging devices at bus warehouses and stations, Metro stations and other select locations to support electric buses used for public transit and during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Public buses, government school buses and Doha Metro feeder buses will gradually shift to electrification, thus hitting the rollout percentage that is required to reduce harmful carbon emissions from buses by 2030, in addition to honoring the concerted efforts that aim to maintain environmental sustainability.
According to reports, Ashghal in coordination with Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) and the Ministry of Transport is working to build four parking lots for electric buses to ferry spectators during matches of FIFA World Cup 2022.
The number of electric buses will be over 1,100 and about 700 electric charging stations will be built for these buses which will provide transport to spectators during the matches. After FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, these electric buses will be used as public transport in the country.
