They feel a large number of residents will benefit if the bus service provides easy access to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hospitals, health centres, workers’ clinics and Medical Commission units.
They argue that such a move would also help improve patronage for some of the existing circular services of Mowasalat, such as 301 and 304, which they claim often run near-empty. Passengers have stressed the need for changes in some bus routes earlier, too, so that more people can find them useful.
Many “single” workers rely on taxis to reach these medical facilities, it is found. Otherwise, they have to take more than one bus to go there. "A direct link is what is required at a number of places. It would be of great help if some of the circular bus services are rerouted and connected to the health facilities instead of running virtually empty," said an expatriate who regularly uses buses to travel within and outside the city.
Besides the hospitals under HMC, a number of health centres and workers’ clinics could be easily accessed if some of the existing circular routes are modified, according to some commuters.
In particular, those travelling to the Umm Ghuwailina, Old Airport, Rawdat Al Khail, Omar Bin Khattab, Mesaimeer and Al Thumama health centres will benefit from these changes, they add.
Passengers also suggest that the circular services can be operated through the F-Ring Road stretch between the intersection where Najma Street joins the road and the new bridge across the Doha-Industrial Area so that those travelling to Abu Hamour can also avail of their services.
Further, they say the authorities concerned can consider introducing onward journeys to the Industrial Area from the place where F-Ring Road joins the Doha-Industrial Area road.
A view of the Doha Bus Station (file picture).
Many commuters who use bus service have requested transport authorities to consider rerouting some of the circular bus services so that they pass through areas housing hospitals and clinics, it is learnt.
