New fare collection system to enhance use of public transport by 2020
The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) yesterday took the wraps off the new ‘Integrated Automated Fare Collection and Ticketing System,’ aimed at improving the performance of Qatar’s transportation system by 2020.
Under the new mechanism, commuters will benefit from a unified ticketing process that would apply across the country’s internal transportation network. This will include the metro, the Lusail Light Rail Transit (LRT), buses, taxis, and marine transport which commuters will be able to use with greater convenience and ease, reported Gulf Times.
A number of modern technologies will be adopted under this new system to facilitate and encourage the use of public transport such as payment via smartphones and smartwatches.
The initiative aims to increase the functionality of Qatar’s transportation system, achieve integration, and create a more flexible and seamless system for the users to benefit from.
MOTC signed the Integrated Automated Fare Collection&Ticketing System for public transportation project contract today.The new system is planned to complete&begin operation in 2020,to provide a unified ticketing mechanism for public transport within Qatar’s transportation network pic.twitter.com/9TWTmF0ODf
— المواصلات والاتصالات (@MOTC_QA) March 13, 2019
HE the Minister of Transport and Communications, Jassim Saif Ahmed al-Sulaiti commented that the launch of this system would draw the public towards using the well-equipped and modern public transit. The project comes under a framework of collaboration between Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) and Mowasalat’s Karwa.
“This would help in the integration of all current and future land and marine transport networks,” His Excellency said.
The project involves optimal use of computer technologies, advanced communications systems, and smart e-payment systems in line with the latest developments in mobility and transportation industry, he highlighted. The smart project will aid in streamlining procedures by significantly reducing time and efforts involved, according to The Peninsula.
“Public transit users will be able to use a single ticket for all means of transport and the tickets will be easy to buy and recharge, let alone the flexibility and comfort when using public transit, parking lots, and sports stadiums,” the Minister mentioned.
Additionally, the new system will also be beneficial to public transport operators as the costs associated with ticketing systems, machines, and maintenance would come down in addition to other advantages like keeping track of demand, being able to update operational plans and prices accordingly and ensuring safe payments electronically.
“The system also allows the state to supervise the operation of public transit services with full flexibility and transparency. It also helps increase mobility and transportation policies effectiveness, in addition to the security dimension through the availability of information on operators and users,” the Minister added.
The project will run under a partnership between MOTC, Gulf Business Machines (GBM) and MSI Global (a Singapore-based organization).
Assistant Undersecretary of Land Transport Affairs at MOTC, Rashid Taleb Al-Nabet and GBM Qatar Board Chairman, Badr Omar Al-Mana signed the contract that officially set the project in motion.
What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments below!
--
Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.
Instagram - @qatarliving
Twitter - @qatarliving
Facebook - Qatar Living
Ali, It is big as you said it already .... thanks
Fri, 15.03.2018, 09.49 hrs
aliweb: Ha! Ha! Liked your query and comment very much!
MoltenMetal are you a bot? I am interested in knowing the size of your dictionary as well as algorithm you use to pick words.
That is really perfect.
Thu, 14.03.2019, 13.29 hrs