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Doha – Qatar

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani today witnessed the test operation of the Automatic Rapid Transit (ART) System conducted by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) on Al Khor Expressway. A number of ministers and senior officials were also present.

The ART System uses an innovative, modern and environment-friendly transit mode. With intelligent controls, it is a rail-less system for urban public transport which is essentially a crossover between buses and trams. It also integrates electrical and mechanical systems and uses quick-charge batteries.

The ART features customized, modern interior and exterior designs that take account of the needs of people with disabilities. Built with a bi-directional driving mode with a speed of up to 70km/h and the capacity to carry 307 passengers, the ART System is powered by electricity and provides a range of 25km with only 10 minutes of quick charging and 70km with 3 hours of full charging.

With intelligent communication systems, ART trains are given priority at intersections on the line and with the absence of rails, ART vehicles use sensors that help their drivers to follow their virtual rail on road. The three-module vehicle is 32 meters long and has the same width of a normal bus.

“The trial operation of ART System is the first in the world. The Ministry will assess the trial operation, which continues for a specific period of time, to make sure the ART System’s battery charging and mechanical and electrical systems fit Qatar’s weather conditions before going ahead with deploying it,” said HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti.

“This transit mode, if the test operation is successful, will support the diversification of transportation sector in Qatar through using the world’s latest transportation system. This contributes to achieving economic and environmental balance in the transportation sector’s infrastructure projects. It will also offer a distinct and unique experience during the various events Qatar hosts, particularly the FIFA World Cup 2022 as it will be an exceptional experience for fans and visitors with high-quality services that provide smooth mobility to stadiums, residences and tourist attractions,” added the Minister.

He said that the ART is a crossover between buses, trams and trains that uses quick-charge batteries, something that will contribute to saving costs.

This initiative comes within MOTC’s endeavors to providing a world-class, multimodal integrated transportation system that connects all regions in Qatar, helping the public to reach to their destinations easily with safe and reliable services in line with the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030, in addition to its significant contribution to developing transportation modes in Qatar according to latest eco-friendly universal systems and deploying alternative and clean energy to reduce harmful emissions.