The Peninsula Commends Significant, Remarkable Development Transportation Sector in Qatar

Doha, March 24 (QNA) - English-language newspaper The Peninsula praised in its editorial on Thursday, the significant and remarkable development witnessed by the transportation sector in the State of Qatar, noting the projects and services recently launched by the Ministry of Transport. The newspaper said that Doha Metro has truly revolutionised Qatars public transportation sector and has been a huge success since its launch over two years ago. Opened in late 2019, the metro has recorded 50 million passengers to date. The newspaper pointed out that the service has played a key role in the success of major events in Qatar held in recent past such as the FIFA Arab Cub late last year, when the metro transported around 2.5 million passengers. It explained the service is also poised to play a big role at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where it will transport tens of thousands of fans to and from stadiums daily. Stressing that it provides a seamless transportation experience to fans, away from traffic congestion, which is usually a problem at large public events. Of the eight World Cup stadiums, five can be accessed directly from Doha Metro. The newspaper also highlighted the ongoing Ministry of Transportation's efforts and focus on linking and integrating means of transportation through the Sila project, which it recently launched, to facilitate the transportation process for citizens, residents and visitors in Qatar. Apart from the Doha Metro, the newspaper pointed out that Karwa public bus network has been an affordable and efficient mode of transportation for many, reducing the ever rising number of cars on the roads. The vast bus network covers almost every neighborhood in Doha, as well as the localities outside Doha and other cities. Moreover, the newspaper praised the Ministry of Transport's work on an ambi-tious project of converting all public transport buses, including the government school buses, to electric power in the future, as part of Qatars endeavours to cut carbon emissions. In the first step, the Ministry aims to convert 25 percent buses to electric power by 2022. Fully electric-powered buses are already plying a number of routes in the country. Last week, the authorities operated a fully electric-powered bus fleet on Doha Metro Gold line. The Peninsula concluded its editorial by emphasizing the readiness of public transportation in the country to receive the masses during the World Cup Qatar 2022. (QNA)