Bus commuters in Qatar still waiting for better bus stops

There is no respite from the scorching heat this summer for passengers waiting for public transport buses at most of the bus stops in Qatar, local daily Gulf Times reported.

It is a common sight to see passengers seeking shelter behind the panels of bus stops, unable to bear the intense heat, which prevails from early in the morning until sunset.

"Though Mowasalat had announced more than a year ago that there would be improvement in the facilities at the bus stops, steps are yet to be taken," said a regular bus commuter.

There has been a phenomenal increase in the number of construction workers over the past three years, many of whom use buses for their travels, it is understood.

At intervals, announcements are made about the number of bus shelters to be built across the country. However, the truth is that facilities at most bus stops continue to remain at where it began a decade ago when public transport buses hit the country's roads for the first time.

While it is true that the necessity of strengthening the public transport in the country is often repeated in official fora, there has been no corresponding improvement in the facilities either at the Doha Bus Station or most bus stops.

The ongoing road works across the city has curtailed the transport company's expansion plans as well.

One of the main obstacles for the development of the public transport network in the country is the region's adverse climatic conditions for almost five months in a year, it has been pointed out on many occasions. As a result there are many limitations for the growth of the public transport.

"Even though passengers like me would have opted for bus services for our travels if they are available in adequate numbers, adverse weather conditions prevent us from waiting at the uncovered bus stops," said an expatriate worker at the Hamad International Airport while explaining his difficulties in using public buses.

Though the neighbourhood of the Religious Complex at Mesaimeer is one of the locations where bus services have enjoyed remarkably good patronage on the weekends over the years, even a single proper and well sheltered bus stop has not come up until now.

Significantly no passenger is asking for air-conditioned bus stops. "We need at least proper covers to protect us from heat outside," added a Sri Lankan barber, who works at a saloon in the Industrial Area. [Gulf Times]

 

If they are able to build air-conditioned pedestrian bridge, then air-conditioned bus stops are possible.

 

Very disappointing..I am sure Qatar government will look into this problem very soon..

 

Air-conditioned bus stops are much needed all over in Doha and other cities in Qatar. We can see poor labourer's waiting to bus in scorching heat and finding shaded places to safe them from sun. Qatar Govt may take steps for build AC covered bus stops

 

I went somewhere in C-Ring and I found a bus stop without any shade. It was 2:30pm and humidity is a little bit high. Thankfully I waited only for about 8 minutes.

 

@Bonjiek Dakoykoy you were lucky but not all are, they spent hours to wait for bus. I once waited for 1 hour at the main station, Al Fardaan but that was in the month of Feb, when its cool but still it was hot standing long.

 

With the weather condition that day, I couldn't imagine what would have happened to me if it took me an hour of waiting.

 

As road are getting better in and around Doha, Qatar Government should take steps in constructing AC bus stops for commuters. Hope this is done soon.