Qatar 2022’s transport services: sustainable, free, innovative
By Javier Picazo Feliu
Doha, Oct 25 (EFE).- Over the past few years, Qatar has spared no effort in renovating the country’s infrastructure to ensure innovation and efficiency are at the heart the Gulf nation’s free, fast and clean transport services during the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The World Cup organizing committee in Qatar expects the prestigious tournament to bring some 2 million visitors to the country.
“We looked into the availability of the infrastructure from public transportation from the metro and what we could do to complement the service to meet the demands of the tournament,” Qatar 2022’s head of mobility Thani Al Zahraa told Efe.
Enter Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which aims to build innovative and sustainable urban infrastructure.
“I think it’s estimated $200 billion has been invested into the country in terms of infrastructure and means of transport. We take Qatar FIFA World Cup as a milestone down in the road that we have looked at how we are complementing this milestone but this investment is beyond the world cup for us,” he added.
MOVING AROUND DURING THE WORLD CUP
In other World Cups, stadiums were in several cities or even countries, but in Qatar, the 64 matches of the tournament will be held within a 55-kilometer radius for the first time in history.
Fans can stay in the same lodgings and attend all the games using public transport. Players and coaching staff will be able to focus on training and waste no time on long trips.
Furthermore, all those with Fan ID cards, also known as the Hayya Card, will have free access to public transport.
“Once you arrive at the airport because you are a fan of the tournament you will get free transportation whether it’s a metro or bus that will take you to the live areas or the accommodation of the tournament,” Al Zahraa explained.
FAST AND INTELLIGENT
Doha’s metro system has three lines — red, green and gold — and a total of 37 stations, with 110 trains offering direct access to five of the eight World Cup stadiums. Its driverless system will provide almost 24-hour service during the tournament.
Fans will also enjoy 30 minutes of free WiFi every day in the metro.
In Doha, there are three tram networks.
The Lusail tram consists of four lines — pink, purple, turquoise and orange — with some 25 modern trams operating in the city of Lusail, where the opening and final games will take place.
In the Qatar Foundation area, one of the country’s main tourist attractions and home to one of the stadiums, the Education City tram can take up to 180 passengers.
Msheireb’s tram connects the entire neighborhood, which is located in downtoen Doha just steps away from the capital’s iconic marketplace Tourists will also have access to taxis, private cars with drivers, water taxis linking bay areas, as well as bicycles, scooters and electric motorcycles.
