MOTC to launch integrated fare collection and ticketing system

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) will soon launch an Integrated Automated Fare Collection and Ticketing System for public transportation. The MoTC signed a contract in this regard with Gulf Business Machines Qatar (GBM) in Doha on Wednesday.

The contract was signed by MoTC’s Assistant Undersecretary of Land Transport Affairs Rashid Taleb al Nabet and GBM Qatar Board Chairman Badr Omar al Mana.
The system, which aims to improve the land and marine transportation network, is expected to be implemented in the first quarter of 2020.

The new system will provide a unified ticketing mechanism for public transport within Qatar’s internal transportation network with latest credit card payment technologies in addition to payment via smart phones and smart watches.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Nabet said the system will encourage the public to use the public transportation network that include all public transportation networks such as the metro, the Lusail Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, buses, taxis and marine transport in future.

“The system also aims to achieve a set of environmental goals by helping in reducing emissions that result from high use of private vehicles. Additionally, it will help in applying the country’s transportation systems integration plans through deploying world’s latest technologies and best standards,” Nabet said.

The new system is hoped to lower traffic-related problems by easing pressure on road networks, help increase traffic safety, achieve the economic goals associated with the efficiency of mobility, transportation and logistics services.

In a statement sent to media, Minister of Transport and Communications HE Jassim Saif Ahmed al Sulaiti said the project comes within the ministry’s efforts to improve the performance and integration of the country’s transportation system.

The minister said the integrated fare and ticketing system will also encourage the public to use this well-equipped and modern public transit easily and smoothly, within a framework of collaboration between Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) and Mowasalat (Karwa) as it would help in the integration of all current and future land and marine transport networks.

Public can use a single ticket for all means of transport and the tickets will be easy to buy and recharge through local or international debit/credit cards.

Optimal use of computer technologies, advanced communications systems and smart e-payment systems that mirror latest developments in mobility and transportation industry are the other features of the system.

Source: Qatar Tribune