The head of state-backed transportation firm Mowasalat has said a new QR30 million (US$8.24 million) water transit service – linking Lusail, the airport, Banana Island and the West Bay/Pearl area – should launch by the end of next year.
That’s more than a year and a half later than when officials had initially hoped to bring the boats into service.
Speaking to Doha News, Mowasalat’s new CEO Khaled Nasser Al-Hail said on Monday that officials from his company met several shortlisted boatmakers late last month to discuss the Qatari firm’s project requirements.
He added that the company will soft launch the service with two 50-to-60-foot yachts, which would contain some 30 to 70 passenger seats. Additional boats would later be added to Karwa’s fleet as more residents move into homes in Lusail and the Pearl-Qatar, which currently offers a water shuttle service within Porto Arabia’s Marina.
Tourist feature
While the prospect of bypassing traffic snarls around the airport may appeal to many Doha residents, Al-Hail said the new service is not intended to compete with the company’s ground-based transportation options.
“Water transit is not comparable to mass transit. The market (is) totally different,” he said.
He added that he wants to target “marine-oriented customers,” such as guests at Pearl-Qatar hotels and the soon-to-be-completed Banana Island Resort Village, as well as local residents who “want to do something different” when taking a recreational outing.
Al-Hail, who spoke to Doha News during a break at a public transportation conference today, did not have ridership or fare projections on hand. However, he said the cost of a ride would be “reasonable” and may be subsidized.
He added he does not expect to construct any large passenger terminals, as the boats will likely use existing marinas.
Separately, Mowasalat officials say they expect to take delivery next year of two amphibious buses – buoyant vehicles that drive on roads before descending a ramp and navigating lakes and harbors like a boat – that would take tourists on trips through the calm waters in West Bay and the Corniche.
Would you take a ride on a Karwa water taxi? Thoughts?
Would you take a ride on a Karwa water taxi? as long as they leave the meter on…. yes
I am unsure, as I’ve never really delved into it, but is there an actual transport plan which has been informed by appropriate research into the transport needs of Qatar in the next 20 years? The use of water taxis/ferry for work commute would surely be a consideration in easing the burden on the roads and associated services (including hospitals and ambulances). Or am I being too simplistic, not being experienced or educated in this field?
There is and they are part of it.
Thanks dubious. I must have a look at it. Perhaps the long term is to make use of water transport. Let’s hope so!
Will they use current karwa drivers ?? I can’t imagine Karwa hiring someone who knows what they are doing.
If the fare is reasonable, I too would use a Karwa water taxi. However – amphibious vehicles to showcase Doha to tourists? What tourist highlights are they going to showcase? “On your left hand side are a bunch of skyscrapers and massive cranes. Over there is the museum. Thank you, come again.” How many people are using the Doha Tourist Bus? Every one I see go past is empty…
Surely water taxis must seen as an integral part of a Doha wide public transport network, like in Hong Kong, not just for the few. Anything to get a few cars off the road must be a benefit.
So how do you get to your departure point and how do you get to where your going once you get off? Sound like an expensive proposition.
first,get the ones on wheel to work properly….
and dont forget your tuba…
The water taxis in Dubai (which cost 1QR/ride, so are very accessible for all) are a pretty significant part of the transport network there. Every time I ride them (albeit for touristic purposes rather than for commuting), they are packed with at least a dozen people. The difference I see is that they go from one packed, bustling riverbank to another – people can walk to the pier, ride, and walk away. No need for parking, cars, etc on either end. I think a Pearl/Katara/West Bay/MIA Park/Sharq/Airport route could be popular, especially if those areas grow to be more pedestrian friendly… anything that saves me from the Corniche or Pearl road is a good idea!
Well I hope they pay the drivers better to eliminate issues.Maybe all women should bring diving gear just in case they need to bail on and driver
if they don’t know where to go like the taxi driver…..you might find yourself in Bahrein….
I can’t fathom the level of incompetence this service can get. I mean they do have the bus the taxi services to showcase their talent in management. If only people from top management ride the bus even for just one day and realize how crappy their service is ..but us beggars can’t be choosy. All i’m asking is to set the bus routes on time.just my 2 cents.
sincerely yours,
A daily commuter.