"Doha Metro has changed the public transport landscape in Qatar by providing a high-quality, fast, reliable and affordable alternative to the predominant mode of transport, i.e. private car," Qatar Rail said in a statement. "The ridership has steadily grown since opening of the Metro network and it also reflects the growing confidence of citizens, residents and visitors in Doha Metro services, underpinned by network connectivity to key destinations, tourist attractions and Hamad International Airport."
Qatar Rail also recognised the importance of the first and last miles in the Metro journey. On this front, Qatar Rail is actively engaged and supported by the Ministry of Transport and Mowasalat (Karwa) to introduce first and last mile connectivity initiatives such as metrolink and metroexpress to encourage the use of Metro.
In terms of operational performance, the Metro witnessed several records, the first of which was in the first year of operation when it recorded the largest number of passengers in one day during the 2019 Qatar National Day, transporting 333,000 passengers.
This number was recently surpassed during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on the fifth day of the tournament, November 24, 2022, when the Metro set a record in the daily number of passengers by transporting more than 827,000 people in one day.
In terms of stations, Msheireb, the heart of Doha Metro and its central station connecting the three Metro lines, recorded the highest number of passengers travelling through it in one day during the World Cup with approximately 405,000 passengers, on December 2, 2022. Also, on Qatar National Day (December 18, 2022), which coincided with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final at Lusail Stadium, Lusail QNB station recorded more than 290,000 passengers.
Doha Metro is seamlessly connected to the Lusail Tram network through Legtaifiya station. This, in turn, played a key role in providing a smooth travel experience and allowed customers to change between the two networks and access Lusail City easily. During the World Cup, the connection of the two networks enabled fans and visitors to access various activation areas in Lusail City.
Since the launch of its services, the Doha Metro has played an instrumental role in the success of 13 key local, regional and international sports events and tournaments, including four finals of the Amir Cup and nine regional and international events. Unprecedented operational plans were developed to serve the fans of these tournaments, while ensuring the safety of all network users.
In 2019, key sport events included the final of the Amir Cup, the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup 2019, in addition to the National Day celebrations that took place across the city. During these events, the Metro transported more than 1.2mn passengers.
In 2021, five sporting tournaments took place and during which the Metro recorded approximately 2.5mn passengers. These events included the FIFA Club World Cup 2020, the final of the African Super Cup, the preliminary round of the joint Asian qualifiers, the qualifiers for the Arab Cup, and the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021.
During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Doha Metro gained the confidence of 17.4mn passengers who travelled onboard the network to reach stadiums. The Metro also contributed to tourists' and visitors' experience in the country during that time.
Further to that, the Metro played a pivotal role in successfully hosting the tournament, as 51% of the fans used the Metro to go to stadiums. The daily average number of passengers recorded during the tournament was about five times the usual average, with a 300% increase, the statement noted.
In addition, the various events and sports tournaments held in Qatar over the last three years enabled developing the operational expertise, and further enhancing customer experience and significantly contributed to the integrated public transport system in the county. Also, these events have supported building national capacities and equipping them with the necessary expertise and know-how in several areas, such as crowd management, transport planning, security, safety, operational plans, in addition to crisis and emergency management.
The continuous work efforts and co-ordination between Qatar Rail and other key stakeholders have resulted in providing a successful model for mobility and transport in mega events, the statement adds.
On May 8, 2019, Qatar Rail launched the first phase of the preview service of the Metro, including 13 stations on the Red Line starting from Al Qassar to Al Wakra, which was followed by the remaining stations on the Red Line, Gold Line and Green Line. Operation of all Doha Metro stations was fully completed in September 2020.
Big Numbers
- Since the launch of its services, the Doha Metro has played an instrumental role in the success of 13 key local, regional and international sports events and tournaments
- On Nov 24, 2022 (during the World Cup), the Doha Metro set a record in the daily number of passengers by transporting more than 827,000 people in one day
- Msheireb recorded the highest number of passengers travelling through it in one day during the World Cup with approximately 405,000 people, on December 2, 2022
- The Doha Metro ferried 17.4mn passengers during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
- 51% of World Cup fans used the Metro to go to stadiums