Public transport infrastructure is one of the most important factors for a country’s progress and Qatar is way ahead in the region in building an integrated and effective environment-friendly transport system using advanced technologies.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday witnessed the test operation of the Automatic Rapid Transit (ART) System conducted by the Ministry of Transport and Communications on Al Khor Expressway.
The ART System uses an innovative, modern and environment-friendly transit mode. With intelligent controls, it is a rail-less system for urban public transport which is essentially a crossover between buses and trams. It also integrates electrical and mechanical systems and uses quick-charge batteries.
“The trial operation of ART System is the first in the world. The Ministry will assess the trial operation, which continues for a specific period of time, to make sure the ART System’s battery charging and mechanical and electrical systems fit Qatar’s weather conditions before going ahead with deploying it,” said Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti.
The initiative comes within the Ministry’s endeavours to providing a world-class, multimodal integrated transportation system that connects all areas and regions in Qatar, helping the public to reach to all vital areas easily with safe and reliable services in line with the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
H E Al Sulaiti stressed the importance attached by the Ministry to security and safety operations, and said that any project, especially in the public transport sector, must go through several strong stages before its launch, the most important of which is ensuring the safety and security of passengers. In this framework, many tests are carried out over different periods of time to ensure safety and security to ensure Qatar’s leadership in security and safety standards.
The new system will support the diversification of transportation sector in Qatar through using the world’s latest transportation system with advanced technology. It would also offer an exceptional experience for fans and visitors during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar with high-quality services that provide smooth mobility to stadiums, residences and tourist spots.
As part of its initiative to provide a seamless transportation experience, Qatar is finishing all infrastructure projects ahead of schedule. The partial launch of Doha Metro, more than a year ahead of schedule, in May this year proves Qatar is moving ahead at a great pace. Also, trams being introduced in Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar Foundation and Lusail will usher in a new era.
The public transport system in Qatar has made great strides and has achieved qualitative leap and will be one of the most efficient systems in the world.
