DOHA: Mowasalat has deployed more Karwa taxis and buses to cope with the high demand during the Eid holiday.
Taxis and buses transported about 1,200,000 people during Eid last year and the company expects a similar rush this time.
According to Mowasalat statistics, taxis made 3,118,214 trips from January until June this year and the number of limousine trips during the same period stood at 29,928. The firm expects an increase in passenger turnout following the ongoing crackdown on illegal taxis by the Ministry of Interior and stricter rules for driving licence.
“The ministry has been a great help with its campaign and tighter control on illegal taxis is a positive sign for operators such as Mowasalat and its franchisees. Tighter regulation on licence will benefit our public transport though it will affect the driving schools,” said a statement.
The company said it had laid down an integrated plan to increase the bus and taxi fleet during the holiday. More buses have been deployed on the busiest routes and destinations, particularly recreational and tourist locations and shopping malls.
Karwa taxis and its Call Center will operate round-the-clock throughout the week while buses will operate until 1am daily. Efforts are underway to increase airport taxis and operate limousine services beyond Eid to meet increase in demand as people return from vacation.
“Growing demand on Karwa is an indicator of Mowasalat’s success in providing the transport infrastructure based on a field study of locations where the public exit and destinations they need. Demand for taxis has been on the increase over the recent years. According to annual reports, Mowasalat transports almost 1,250,000 people through its buses, taxis and limousines during Eid every year,” said the statement.
The company claimed that its efforts had led to a drop in complaints associated with taxis. Efforts include re-planning the deployment of vehicles in shopping malls and hotels, focusing on rush hours, enhancing efficiency of taxi distribution points to meet any shortage in taxis in Doha and its suburbs.
The company plans to set up new taxi ranks which will be easily visible for drivers and passengers. A Mowasalat study shows that available taxis are sufficient to meet the current demand. “As the labour market is proven to grow due to ongoing constructions in preparation for 2022, Mowasalat plans to capture this market by cooperating with construction firms and introducing AC labour buses. It will also introduce marine transport next year. The Peninsula
