Qatar’s public transport network is preparing to integrate artificial intelligence and smart mobility systems to drive its next phase of operations, following a milestone of 300mn passengers, the top official of Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has said.
Qatar Rail CEO Jassim Mohamed al-Ansari outlined these technological priorities during the recently held Autonomous e-Mobility Forum, stating that the company is actively evaluating new projects to improve the passenger experience and support the country's environmental goals.
"Qatar Rail is also currently studying a number of projects that contribute to enhancing the mobility experience, such as providing information about available services to customers through AI-powered chat and guiding passengers with disabilities inside stations using smart guidance systems,” al-Ansari said.
Al-Ansari noted that upcoming digital initiatives involve AI-powered chat services designed to provide passengers with instant information about available services. The company is also evaluating smart guidance systems to help passengers with disabilities navigate inside metro stations easily.
The integration of these new technologies follows high public usage of the transit system, emphasised al-Ansari, who announced that the Doha Metro has transported more than 300mn passengers since its inception. He said this figure proves the strong public demand for mass transit and reflects the trust the network has built with the community.
Since the launch of the metro, he said Qatar Rail has focused on providing a complete travel experience that goes beyond the train journey itself. Working with the Ministry of Transport (MoT), the company developed first- and last-mile services to connect stations with surrounding neighbourhoods, al-Ansari pointed out.
Al-Ansari highlighted the metrolink feeder bus service as a key component of this strategy. He said the service gives passengers flexible options to reach their final destinations.
Environmental sustainability remains a core focus for the transport system, stated al-Ansari, who noted that Qatar Rail continues to adopt eco-friendly solutions to align with national environmental targets, including the addition of electric buses to the metrolink fleet to reduce carbon emissions and build a cleaner public transit model.
Al-Ansari stressed that future urban mobility relies on blending different transport modes with smart technology, citing autonomous vehicles as a key element of this transition.
"We also believe that the future of transport depends on integration between various modes and smart solutions, including modern technologies and autonomous vehicles, which aligns with the themes of this forum,” he said.
He explained, "Integration between public transport modes and smart solutions can contribute to improving the efficiency of the system, enhancing accessibility, and providing more comprehensive and reliable mobility options, in addition to contributing to improving traffic flow in cities.”
Al-Ansari attributed the network's current success to ongoing cooperation with the MoT and other partners, noting that the ministry plays a central role in coordinating the country's sustainable transport policies.
He affirmed Qatar Rail’s commitment to supporting new transport initiatives. Al-Ansari said industry events allow the company to exchange expertise with local and international partners, supporting joint efforts to develop the public transport sector. These discussions will lead to further partnerships that meet community needs and improve the quality of life in Qatar, he added.