DOHA: Mowasalat will soon introduce diesel-electric hybrid buses in Qatar. The vehicles are environment-friendly and cost-effective, a senior official of the company said yesterday.
Hybrid buses that are powered by a cross between an ordinary diesel engine and an electric motor, produce fewer greenhouse gases, harmful pollutants and lower
noise levels.
"Hybrid buses are still in a developing stage, although some countries have already introduced them. We are planning to bring this new technology to Qatar as part of our efforts to deliver green solutions in the transport sector," Ahmed Al Ansari, business development director of Mowasalat told The Peninsula yesterday.
He added that some hybrid buses would soon be introduced in the roads of Doha on a trial basis.
Hybrid buses have regenerative braking, which means they generate electrical energy when the brakes are pressed. This electrical energy is stored in a battery pack and used to drive the electric motor. Energy generated during braking is used to charge the batteries of hybrid vehicles.
Hybrid buses produce around 40 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than conventional diesel engine buses.
The official said that the recently-introduced smartcards have received good response from bus passengers. Mowasalat is planning to phase out the manual ticketing system in public buses with the introduction of the new smartcards.
The cards in QR30 denominations are currently available at the main bus terminal in Al Ghanim and a few kiosks at major shopping centres. Top-ups for the cards in various denominations beginning QR10 are more widely available across Doha, said Al Ansari. "Those who are holding Mowasalat's season tickets can transfer their remaining credits to the new card without loss," said Al Ansari.
© The Peninsula 2010
