The Ministry of Transport (MoT) and Mowasalat (Karwa), in partnership with Qatar Foundation (QF), are organising a demonstration week at Education City for the public to engage with the country’s first self-driving electric bus (e-Bus).
Besides showcasing state-of-the-art technology and eco-friendly transportation solutions, the initiative underscores Qatar’s dedication to innovation, safety, and environmental responsibility within its transportation sector.
Attended by representatives from MoT, Karwa and QF, the daily demo which began yesterday will run until February 22 (except today) from 8am to 4pm.
In a press statement, MoT’s Public Transport Affairs Department project manager Mesned al-Misned said this initiative aligns with several key strategies of MoT. These include the gradual transition to an electric transit system and the adoption of autonomous vehicles, aimed at fostering smart, eco-conscious transportation systems.
Such endeavours, he added, are designed to yield numerous benefits, including reduced energy and fuel consumption, decreased emissions and carbon footprints, fewer traffic accidents, and an overall enhancement of quality of life.
According to al-Misned, these efforts are in line with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
“The MoT will continue efforts to further develop the transportation and mobility system, supporting all economic and service sectors in Qatar and leaving a sustainable legacy for generations to come,” he stressed.
Organisers noted that the route within Education City forms a loop, designed to cover nine strategic stops, stretching from the Qatar National Library Metro Station to Northwestern University in Qatar.
This setup enables visitors to conveniently embark and disembark at their desired points, giving them the freedom to explore the area’s prominent attractions. Each bus will be staffed with an expert capable of addressing inquiries regarding technical specifications and the favourable effects of reducing the carbon footprint of transportation.
“We are proud to push the country’s ecological agenda and cooperate with MoT and QF in this groundbreaking project. The opportunity to experience an autonomous e-Bus is a milestone in our common journey towards a sustainable and innovative transportation ecosystem. We are not just testing a new vehicle; we are inviting the public to witness the future of e-mobility,” said Karwa’s Public Transport director Ahmed al-Binali, who was accompanied by MoT’s Najla al-Jaber on the e-Bus yesterday.
The autonomous e-Bus marks a significant leap in merging technological innovation with environmental stewardship. Operating on clean electric power, it guarantees zero emissions and advances the country’s goals for a sustainable future.
Equipped with cutting-edge onboard sensors, high-definition cameras, lasers, and ultrasonic radars, the e-Bus sets a fresh standard in transportation safety and efficiency, organisers said.
“At QF, we believe sustainability is not just a choice but a commitment to the future. Through strategic partnerships, exemplified by our collaboration with Mowasalat (Karwa), we are actively educating and empowering community members across Qatar to embrace their role as champions of sustainability. Together, we are equipping our society with the knowledge and tools that can enable us to collectively move towards a greener future,” QF’s City Operations executive director Hamad al-Kuwari said.
The demo aims to involve students from schools and universities to spark community engagement at the grassroots level. A series of collaborations will continue to share a heightened environmental awareness in everyday transportation practices.