Sila set to launch integrated, contactless payment options

 

Sila, the brand that brings together Qatar’s public transport modes into an integrated network, is set to add more features including integrated and contactless payment options for public transport users. In exclusive statements to Gulf Times, Sila spokesperson at the Ministry of Transport (MoT) Muna Mohamed Sa’ad al-Kharji, said that the brand’s next milestone will be the launch of integrated and contactless payment options. “This includes making payment directly from the Sila app using a QR code, the Sila card and or bank cards on the different modes of transport. That means you will only need one app or one card to pay, even interchanging between bus, metro, tram and taxi,” she said.“Once fully launched, the Sila brand will become a recognisable icon on wayfinding signages and all public transport modes and infrastructure, bringing them all together and further easing public transport journeys and choices. The launch of other features, including integrated payment options, will be revealed in the near future,” she said. Once integrated payment options are launched, it will become even more convenient to use the public transport network because users can pay for their integrated, multi-mode trips using the Sila card, their bank cards or the QR code on the app. Ultimately, all of this will increase mobility, ridership and encourage the use of the public transport network.“Sila and its app and website will continue to evolve, keeping pace with public transport development to ensure that the information on them is up-to-date and that they answer the needs of travelers in Qatar. Future updates include integrating new modes of transport and additional functions on the website and app for example, points of interest, bus route search function and others,” al-Kharji said.Sila is a brand that was launched by MoT while integrating the public transport modes in Qatar and bringing them together under one umbrella. It includes the metro, bus, tram, and taxi. Key features of the brand are the Sila app and website which are designed to make travel around Qatar easy and seamless. The app and website include handy functions such as a journey planner to help users select the times, modes and routes that suit them best. “Qatar has made significant investments to offer citizens, residents, and visitors world-class public transport services. Sila is taking this a step further by integrating public transport modes to maximise ease and efficiency. I will give you an example: to get to City Center from Medina Central in The Pearl: the Sila journey planner will give step-by-step directions showing the bus stop you have to go to, the bus number, the time that the bus will arrive, and approximately how long the bus will take to get to the closest metro station, with the Metro line heading towards City Centre,” al-Kharji said.She added that Sila makes using public transport simpler and more convenient, enabling users to live, work, go to school, shop, and socialize with ease. “There is a positive impact that Sila has on the country as a whole. Firstly, public transport provides a sustainable travel alternative to private car usage, contributing to a greener and healthier environment for all of us. Secondly, public transport enables the movement of goods and people, which facilitates commercial and social activities. It also makes Qatar more attractive to tourists, which ultimately benefits the country economically. All these points contribute to strengthening Qatar’s position as a modern and connected country with a high standard of living,” she noted. According to al-Kharji, there is an increasing engagement on our social media pages as well as app downloads. “In the initial stage of our launch, we set out to introduce and increase awareness of using public transport. With the engagement that we are seeing now, I think this is a testament to the strength of Sila and our country’s public transport network. It also represents how the community has welcomed the enhanced public transport services that Sila brings,” she noted.