DOHA METRO PREVIEW

In an important strategic move, Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail), has commenced a preview service for the first part of the Doha Metro’s Red Line, from Al Qassar in the north, to Al Wakrah in the south.

THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED PREVIEW service includes 13 out of 18 stations on the Red Line, which are: Al Qassar, DECC, QIC West Bay, Corniche, Al Bidaa, Msherireb, Al Doha Al Jadeed, Umm Ghawalina, Al Matar Al Qadeem, Oqba Ibn Nafie, Free Zone, Ras Abu Fintas, Al Wakra. The launch, which was originally planned for 2020, comes almost one year ahead of schedule. It is an important stage for testing the Doha Metro system with passengers, providing an opportunity to evaluate and review the performance in preparation for the full operation of the network. During this stage, Qatar Rail aims to receive feedback from passengers that will help improve its services to provide the best possible customer experience, and will devote its efforts to making the necessary evaluations to meet the expectations of the public.


Qatar Rail has announced the operating hours from 8am to 11pm on weekdays. As for the frequency of the trains, there will be a train every six minutes, and the travel time between stations is three minutes. The service will stop during weekends to progress the work required to open more stations and lines.
Eng. Abdulla Saif Al Sulaiti, Chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Rail, said: “The preview service, which is launched ahead of schedule, is a testament of the tremendous efforts carried out by Qatar Rail’s executive teams and board of directors, as well as the continuous support of His Excellency the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. Thanks to his continuous support and guidance, many achievements have been made ahead of schedule, and today we stand at a turning point as the project shifts from the development stage to the operational stage,” he continued. “The preview service is a major opportunity to measure the efficiency of the network and the services we provide. The outputs of the preview service are essential for us, and we will build on them as we prepare for the full opening of the network by 2020.”


In terms of service and ticket pricing, Qatar Rail has conducted comprehensive and integrated pricing studies, and has introduced several categories to make tickets accessible to everybody, and available through multiple sales channels. Ticket holders will enjoy a modern, low-cost transport system, making the Doha Metro accessible to all. These factors will enhance the customer experience as well as Qatar Rail’s revenue performance. There are several options available for travel tickets, including Limited Use, Gold Class card and a Standard card.


A single journey will cost QR2 for Standard card holders (including Family Class), while a day pass will cost QR6. A single journey will cost QR10 for Gold Club members, while a day pass will cost QR30. Customers can top up their reusable cards with Travel Credit, which can be purchased at ticket vending machines in all Doha Metro stations. ✤


GO: VISIT WWW.CORP.QR.COM.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.