The Ministry of Transport (MoT) plans to conduct more demonstrations of the Qatar's first self-driving electric bus (e-Bus) in safe locations, a representative told Gulf Times.
The MoT, in collaboration with Mowasalat (Karwa) and Qatar Foundation, is currently implementing a demo of the e-Bus until February 22 via a fixed route in Education City, an enclosed area, and may repeat the demo in other safe locations, such as Lusail.
“In open areas, it is not yet planned because it is a new technology and we are trying to deploy it somewhere (safe). We should ensure the safety requirements... we are (currently) studying the type of movement around the area (Education City),” MoT representative Najla al-Jaber told Gulf Times.
Speaking on the sidelines of the e-Bus demo week launch in Education City on Thursday, she underlined the necessity of building the required and suitable infrastructure for autonomous vehicles before proceeding with any deployment on the nation's main roads.
“We should plan for this. We are taking our first step and looking for something like doing wider on that. Why not? Hopefully (soon),” al-Jaber said.
According to MoT, the introduction of the autonomous e-Bus represents a significant advancement in integrating technological innovation with environmental responsibility. Running on clean electric energy, the e-Bus ensures emission-free operation, aligning with the nation's aspirations for a sustainable future.
In 2023, MoT announced the launch of the Autonomous Vehicles Strategy aimed at fostering innovation and staying abreast of global advancements in the industry. This strategy entails implementing a comprehensive plan over the next five years to establish regulations governing the use of such vehicles in Qatar. The aim is to develop intelligent and environmentally friendly transit systems.
Regarding her experience on the autonomous e-Bus, al-Jaber said she was fascinated during the short ride, noting there were cameras all around, giving passengers a complete view from inside.
The system, she added, uses these cameras to apply brakes and sound horns when necessary for safety, stopping to avoid any moving obstacles like pedestrians, other vehicles, or buses, describing it as a highly sophisticated and secure system.
The e-Bus, equipped with state-of-the-art onboard sensors, high-definition cameras, lasers, and ultrasonic radars, establishes a new benchmark in transportation safety and efficiency.
Such an initiative, al-Jaber said, aligns with the key strategies of MoT, Qatar National Vision 2030, and the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy. It includes the gradual transition to an electric transit system by adopting eco-friendly and autonomous vehicles to protect the environment.
According to MoT, this event demonstrates Qatar’s dedication to innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship within its transportation sector.