Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has announced its preparedness to welcome the fans of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 onboard, promising a seamless and world-class travel experience for all the fans through its Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks.
Qatar Rail is fully mobilising the entire fleet of 110 Doha Metro trains. This includes the deployment of 6-carriage trains on the Red Line, doubling the capacity to 1,120 passengers per train, and reducing headway to three minutes between trains on all three lines during match periods.
During the tournament period (January 12 to February 10), Doha Metro and Lusail Tram services will operate as per the usual timetable, except for Friday (Opening Match Day, January 12) where services will operate from 12noon instead of 2pm. For Friday afternoon matchdays (January, 19 and February 2), the services will operate from 10am, instead of 2pm.
Engineer Abdulla Saif al-Sulaiti, chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Rail, said: “During the planning and preparation phase for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, all the lessons learned from the FIFA World Cup were taken into consideration in terms of operational processes, crowd management, customer service, and more.
"For us, the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a rich experience and a real test of the network's capabilities and service efficiency during major events. At that time, the metro was exceptionally successful, serving as a key pillar of the transportation system for the tournament and the optimal choice for traveling to the stadiums and event areas. We look forward to providing our services to the fans during this tournament at the same level of excellence”.
Ajlan Eid al-Enazi, chief of Strategy and Business Development at Qatar Rail, commented: “Our goal is to offer unparalleled travel experience, especially for football enthusiasts coming from Asia".
Doha Metro network is linked to the nine stadiums of the AFC Asian Cup, directly serving five of them – Lusail, Khalifa International, Ahmad bin Ali, Education City, and Jassim Bin Hamad stadiums through the Lusail QNB, Sport City, Al Riffa Mall of Qatar, Education City, and Al Sudan stations, respectively facilitating swift and easy movement between matches, particularly during the group stage with up to four matches per day.
A stadium shuttle bus service will be provided by the Local Organising Committee from identified Metro stations to access other four stadiums that are not directly accessible through metro stations. The bus service will be provided from Al Wakra, Free Zone, Qatar University, and Lusail QNB Stations to reach Al Janoub, Al Thumama, Abdullah bin Khalifa, and Al Bayt Stadiums, respectively.
In its efforts to manage crowds seamlessly and efficiently, Qatar Rail, has installed additional internal signage at Metro stations linked to the stadiums, along with trained staff to handle the expected high turnout optimally in the stations. In addition, Qatar Rail has developed a digital guide titled "Stadium by Metro" particularly for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, aiming to ease access to information related to stations and connectivity to stadiums.
Customers can also contact the 24/7 customer service center at 105 for train timings, last-train departure times, and any other information or inquiries. Fans can utilise free wireless internet (Wi-Fi) services at all stations and experience an exceptional shopping with a variety of local and international retail brands, including food and beverage services, mini-marts, pharmacies, sports apparel stores, technology, and gift shops, and more.
Qatar Rail employees have been trained to proactively assist customers and guide fans within the stations and trains, with additional support provided for people with disabilities.
Qatar Rail has stressed the importance of all fans and passengers planning their journeys in advance, allowing enough time, and staying informed about the latest service updates during the tournament through Doha Metro and Lusail Tram's social media channels.
Ajlan al-Enazi
Engineer Abdulla Saif al-Sulaiti
