Transportation in Doha -- Bus Service, etc.
Can anyone tell me about the new bus service in Doha? Are the buses comfortable and well air-conditioned? How crowded--can you always get a seat? Do the routes run all over the city? And do the buses run on time?
 I'm asking about this because my husband is thinking of shipping over his motorcycle when we move to Doha. I've heard on this board that riding a motorcycle is a bad idea in Doha (unsafe). His employer will give a car allowance but we will need another vehicle since our son, daughter-in-law and grandbaby will be living with us. Our son will need transportation to attend 2 different universities and my husband and I will have jobs to get to. Will bus service be practical for getting around town or had we better bring that darn motorcycle? I heard that there's a shortage of taxis--is that true?
 Also, what does it take to get a license to drive a car or motorcycle in Qatar?
 Any comments appreciated.
Second hand cars are not expensive here. Taking the bus is a bad idea, specially during rush hour. With the heat outside reaching the 40's and 50's waiting for a bus for 30 minutes is unhealthy and extremely uncomfortable. Taxi's are indeed a problem, they phased out all of the old taxis before providing enough replacements. Hopefully the problem will be sorted out by December, but it may not be.
Mowasalat, the company that runs the taxis, provides school transportation in the form of cars, and sometimes buses. It might be useful to call them and ask what kind of arrangement can be made for your son, even if it is temporary.
If you have a license for a car you have to take a 2 week refresher driving course, then a driving test. For some nationalities, such as Americans, their driver's licenses are automatically accepted and transferred to Qatari licenses. I dont know how to apply for a motorcycle license.
Bring the darn motorcycle, but as a back up. Hope your transportation problems get sorted out.
Forget abt public transportation, get a car. Motorcycle riding are for weekend leisure activity, not for daily usage. There are many affordable Japanese/Korean car (new/used) available.