New system to encourage use of public transport

The Integrated Automated Fare Collection and Ticketing System, unveiled on Wednesday comes within the Ministry of Transport and Communication’s efforts to further improve the performance and integration of the country’s transportation system.

The new system allows commuters to use with ease all types of public transportation, such as the metro, the Lusail Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, buses, taxis, and marine transport.

The initiative aims to improve Qatar’s transportation system functionality, achieve integration, and encourage people to use public transport frequently by providing a more flexible and seamless system.

MoTC assistant undersecretary of Land Transport Affairs Rashid Taleb al-Nabet and Gulf Business Machines Qatar (GBM) board chairman Badr Omar al-Mana signed the contract on Wednesday at the MoTC’s West Bay headquarters. GBM, in partnership with Singapore-based MSI Global, is expected to complete and operate the project by 2020.

HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed al-Sulaiti said in a statement that the project would also encourage the public to use the well-equipped and modern public transit easily and smoothly, within a framework of collaboration between Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) and Mowasalat's Karwa. “This,” he stressed, “would help in the integration of all current and future land and marine transport networks.”

By establishing this new system, the ministry contributes to enforcing state policies on boosting the domestic private sector’s role and ingraining the principle of competitiveness on national economy, al-Sulaiti noted.

He said the project aims for the optimal use of computer technologies, advanced communications systems, and smart e-payment systems that mirror the latest developments in mobility and transportation industry. “This is one of the smart projects that help streamline procedures by reducing time and effort consumed,” he pointed out.

Al-Sulaiti also said the ministry is making serious efforts on several fronts to develop transportation services and had completed several key strategic studies and projects for further developing Qatar’s land transport industry.

“This is aimed at providing best applicable solutions and facilitations to put in place a modern, safe, integrated, and environment-friendly transportation system in line with the National Development Strategy 2018-2022 and Qatar National Vision 2030.

“There are numerous advantages for public transit users who will be able to use a single ticket for all means of transport and the tickets will be easy to buy and recharge, let alone the flexibility and comfort when using public transit, parking lots, and sports stadiums,” the minister said.

For public transit operators, the minister said, the new system will help reduce costs associated with ticketing systems, machines, and maintenance, and provide continued supply of data, which would help monitor the curve of demand, draw and apply best operational plans, improve the network, update prices, and guarantee a safe e-payment.

“The system also allows the state to supervise the operation of public transit services with full flexibility and transparency. It also helps increase mobility and transportation policies effectiveness, in addition to the security dimension through the availability of information on operators and users let alone the availability of basic information sources needed for informed planning and enhanced integration in the future for road and transportation networks,” he said.