The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mowasalat (Karwa) for the “possession and utilisation of vacant plots allocated for non-commercial use.”
Under the MoU, Mowasalat will come up with an appropriate plan to provide such land for use by private-sector taxi operators in their operations and for staff accommodation purposes.
Representing the MoTC, HE the Minister’s adviser Hassan al-Hail signed the MoU with Mowasalat chairman Nasser al-Malki in the presence of a number of officials from both sides.
The public transport sector, including taxi services, plays a “key role in connecting Qatar and providing mobility for citizens, residents and visitors”, the MoTC has said in a statement. The ministry stressed that it was increasing its support for taxi operators by allocating land for their operations that would help achieve higher service levels and improve taxi availability.
More than 3,500 taxis are now operated in Qatar by private companies, and the MoTC and Karwa plan to increase the number to 7,000 over the next few years.
The increase in taxi numbers will support an enhanced public transport network, including the new Metro and expanded public bus services, and also assist in reducing road congestion as well as the dependence on private transport, the statement added.
MoTC and Mowasalat officials at the agreement-signing ceremony.
