More Metrolink feeder buses are expected to be deployed after Ramadan to serve the growing number of Doha Metro passengers.

The feeder bus service has been operating since the soft opening of the Red Line South on May 8 across Metro stations, providing transportation to commuters around a specific area to and from these stations.

Speaking to Gulf Times, a number of Metrolink drivers assigned at the Al Wakra Metro station said three more routes are expected to be added to the existing four from this station, which will include stops at popular destinations such as Souq Al Wakrah and the newly opened Al Janoub Stadium.

“We don’t have routes to these two areas now but after Ramadan, with the new timings of the Doha Metro Red Line South, we will take passengers there,” one staffer said, adding that buses are deployed every 12 minutes.

In a circular posted on each bus, Mowasalat advises passengers that its feeder buses will only halt at designated stops as a safety measure.

Currently operational from 8am to 11pm, the new schedule may start at 6am after the holy month, from Sunday to Thursday. The Doha Metro takes a break during weekends.

However, the revised schedule plans for services between 5am and 1am from Saturday to Thursday and 9am to 1am every Friday, once all lines of the Doha Metro are fully operational, according to a brochure issued by Qatar Rail.

Feeder bus services will likely follow these Metro timings to pick up and drop off passengers in the areas they operate.

In a circular posted on every bus, Mowasalat has advised passengers that its feeder buses will only halt at designated stops as a safety measure.

A bus driver noted that many commuters benefit from the free bus service, especially at Al Wakra which also take them to key destinations such as Ezdan Mall, Al Wakrah Hospital, Al Wakrah Sports Club and the Traffic Department, among others.

Some trips such as ‘M134’ take about an hour and 20 minutes from and to the Wakra station while others, which take passengers to Al Wakrah South for example, take about 45 minutes.

Many commuters lauded the Metrolink feeder bus service, saying it provides “a huge relief” while travelling to and from the Metro station, as well as going to a number of destinations such as the hospital and Ezdan Mall.

While the feeder bus service is currently free, it is learnt that charges may apply later on as smart card payment machines have already been installed on these buses.

While the feeder bus service is currently free, it is learnt that charges may apply later on as smart card payment machines have already been installed on these buses.

“I save a lot of money and if more buses will be deployed, then I don’t need to take a cab any more,” said a resident who was travelling from Vision International School to the Osama Bin Zaid area.

He added that a possible plan to charge passengers a minimal fee is reasonable and will be still cheaper than taking a taxi or limousine, which costs QR8 to QR15 on an average.

The Red Line’s first phase covers 13 of the 18 stations, including Al Qassar, DECC, QIC West Bay, Corniche, Al Bidda (Interchange station), Msheireb (Interchange station), Al Doha Al Jadeda, Umm Ghuwailina, Al Matar Al Qadeem, Oqba Ibn Nafie, Free Zone, Ras Bu Fontas and Al Wakra.




Related Story