DOHA: Mowasalat has launched yesterday a fleet of 200 new top-of-the-line and sophisticated buses including environmental-friendly dual power hybrid units to ensure more comfort and safety to the ever growing riding public.
At the launch, Jassim Saif Al Sulaiti, Chairman and Managing Director, Mowasalat, has highlighted the two first of its kind and newly-acquired hybrid buses which are both run by batteries and diesel fuel to reduce emission down to zero. The batteries fitted derive their power from the diesel fuel and require no external charging station.
Aside from the expensive hybrid buses, the new passenger units that will hit the streets of Qatar include 30 VIP buses, 78 school buses, eight public transport buses, two luxury buses as well as about 80 new buses earlier launched by the transportation company. Mowasalat officials said the new Karwa buses maintain the highest standards of safety, comfort and confidence since they are equipped with individual safety belts, spacious cabins and corridors to prevent injuries.
Sulaiti has also announced plans to address concerns for more efficient public transport system set to be implemented next year including a bus and taxi station in Al Khor that will cater flow of passengers up north which will be followed by a similar station in Wakra up south.
Mowasalat is also considering Qatar to Saudi Arabia passenger route especially during the pilgrimage season to ensure that local pilgrims reach their destination with ease and comfort. The company has sent 150 buses to cater mobility of the tournament participants of the AFC 2011 and another 200-500 passenger units to accommodate football fans watching the games in different venues.
Sulaiti said they are still closely observing the performance of the two new emission-free hybrid buses from Eaton, USA since these are six times expensive than regular buses. He said they would consider buying more similar units after these will pass the standards of extensive road test.
The Mowasalat chief showed to local reporters the luxury buses fully equipped with amenities including new generation 15-inch display screens with DVD and CD players, comfortable and spacious seats covered with high quality cloth. The new units have several new mechanical technologies including anti-skid braking system and black boxes similar to the ones used in planes that will monitor and record all details related to the movement of buses.
© The Peninsula 2011
