Mowasalat stresses preparedness for FIFA World Cup 2022

* Company ran more than 4,000 buses per day during FIFA Arab Cup 2021, ferrying more than 1.4mn passengers in more than 190,000 bus service hours

Mowasalat (Karwa) has said it shuttled more than 1.4mn passengers in more than 190,000 bus service hours, at a 'record' 4,000 buses per day across all of its services for the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, including public transport and all other services provided in Qatar.

Fahad al-Qahtani

This came as proof of the capabilities for future mega events in Qatar, the company said in a statement Saturday and underlined itspreparedness for 2022, when Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup. "One of the most prominent sports events in 2021 has come to a successful end and we all look back at record numbers of fans, and everyone in Qatar that made this event work. Part of the success was co-operation between the main transportation providers to make sure that everyone gets to their destinations on time and safely," the company said, stressing that it is proud to be a part of this network.

Fahad al-Qahtani, Mowasalat CEO, said: “Mowasalat employed and trained thousands of drivers, mechanics and professional bus operations staff, and bought an entire fleet of 3,000 clean diesel and electric buses to cater for all shuttle needs during the matches.To achieve such a massive, yet flexible and reliable service, it was equally important to us to incorporate IT matter experts and a brand-new smart fleet technology. It helps us with monitoring all buses in parallel, running diagnostics for vehicle maintenance and repair, and distributing buses on the ground. It also provides for the main vehicle, driver and customer safety framework."I am very happy and proud of my team that achieved this milestone to perfection and look forward to 2022.”For the future, all signs point to sustainable growth: Mowasalat (Karwa) has received the first batch of electrical buses and ran several successful trials with them during the event.Contributing to Qatar National Vision 2030, more of the bus fleet will be electrified, while new charging infrastructure, depots and bus stations will be put into operation and after 2022 kept as a legacy for a silent and emission-free bus and taxi network.This will also be linked to e-scooters and the gradual electrification of taxis. "The future of transportation is green," the statement added.