Qatar Public Transport Extends Suspension

A recent tweet from the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram announces that the services will be suspended for another 14 days. The services refer to Doha Metro preview service, metrolink and metroexpress services.

Mowasalat Qatar also tweeted that their public buses have ceased operations starting March 15, until further notice. But there is no advisory regarding the stopping of operations of Karwa taxi. Meanwhile at Hamad International Airport, only Qatari nationals are allowed but must undergo self-quarantine.

Doha Metro Extends Suspension of Services

Photo Credit: Qatar Rail website

Last March 12, 2020. Doha Metro temporarily suspended the Doha Metro preview service, metrolink and metroexpress. it was initially announced that services will resume on March 15. But according to a recent tweet from Doha Metro and Lusail Tram, “in view of precautionary measures taken in the country, it has been determined that the Doha Metro preview service will be suspended from today (Sunday), 15 March 2020, 22:00 for a further 14 days.”

Aside from the train line, Mowasalat Qatar also announced that their public buses, including the Metrolink express, will also be suspended until further notice. But their Karwa taxis remain operational. In addition, Mowasalat  introduced its Karwa Taxi App which can be downloaded on Google Play and App Store. This app can be paid using credit card, which helps avoid cash handling.

Photo Credit: Mowasala Qatar Twitter

According to Mowasalat’s tweet, “support the country’s efforts in reducing risk of infection and communicable disease. Scan the QR code and pay by credit card and avoid unnecessary hand contact while cash handling.”

In an update from Hamad International Airport, together with the Ministry of Public Heath, only Qatari nationals can enter the country at this time. But they must undergo a 25 days self quarantine.

Watch: Video from Mowasalat

While the commuters are waiting for the development in the public transportation, let us view this video from Mowasalat Qatar. This video, which runs for almost two (2) minutes, shows the company’s extensive cleaning protocol. An employee disinfects the interior and exterior parts of one of their buses to kills germs and bacteria. Disinfection is done after every trip. Bus drivers also follow prevention measures such as wearing face masks, disinfecting the steering wheel and handle for the passengers. Aside from the buses, the waiting area and vending machines are also disinfected. By cleaning the buses and the bus station, passengers and drivers alike are sure to have a healthful and safe journey with Karwa buses.