Recently, Qatar’s transportation infrastructure has seen a major transformation to give fast and effective options for fans and residents during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) collaborated with a variety of stakeholders to accelerate several transportation projects ahead of the World Cup, including the Doha Metro, expressways, electric buses, and tram systems. These projects were guided by Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to lessen the country’s reliance on hydrocarbons.
Those who hold the Hayya card will be allowed to travel free on public transport between November 10, 2022, to December 23, 2022. Due to the compact nature of Qatar 2022, fans would have a chance to attend more than one match in a day during the beginning stages of the tournament.
Fans will always be at the centre of the action during Qatar 2022, according to Eng. Thani Al Zarraa, the SC’s Mobility Operation Director.
Al Zarraa said “During the planning stage, our ambition was to facilitate seamless journeys to and from stadiums, accommodation and other locations. And thanks to close collaboration with stakeholders, like Ashghal, Qatar Rail and the Ministry of Transport, we are on track to achieve our goals.”
Fans will be able to use cabs, the metro, light rail transit systems, and buses to get about on game days. Out of the 8 stadiums 5 are directly connected to Metro and the rest are connected by a combination of metro and shuttle bus services.
The metro has been heavily utilised by locals since it opened in 2019 and tested during several important football competitions, including two FIFA Club World Cup editions and last year’s FIFA Arab Cup.
Al Zarraa added “The metro is the core transport option for fans and will play a vital role in getting people to and from stadiums. We have been fortunate to witness the success of its operations, notably during the FIFA Arab Cup, when it was used by 2.5 million passengers in 19 days.”
With the world cup hosted, many road and highway upgrades got expedited along with fastened development of sidewalks and cycle paths to further accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
With the introduction of electric cars, scooters, and buses, Qatar has also accelerated plans to promote the use of sustainable transportation services. The 4,000-bus fleet, which includes 700 electric models, will transport people between transportation hubs and stadiums. During the World Cup, buses are anticipated to carry about 50,000 passengers per day.
Al Zarraa concluded “The transformation that Qatar has seen will benefit its population well after the World Cup, whether it’s providing affordable and sustainable transportation alternatives or by encouraging different options which will help the country reduce its carbon emissions.”
