DOHA: Residents have demanded that public buses be more regulated and monitored to ensure they keep schedules and arrive at stops on time.
They have also complained that buses arrive at stops after over an hour despite the 15-minute schedules.
“What commuters want is a reliable transport system that allows them to get to their destinations on time, without having to worry about long waiting times,” said one commuter, identifying himself as Ahmed at a bus stop near Control Tower on Airport Road. He said he had been waiting for bus No. 129 for over 30 minutes. “Delays like this discourage people from using public transport.”
Most commuters wanted authorities to review the public transport system so as not to put up with unpleasant commuting experiences on a regular basis.
They should provide real time information about buses to passengers at stops, said another commuter, Kevin Matovu, waiting for bus No. 11 in Old Airport.
“Once this information is provided, passengers will be able to use their waiting time more productively, select which route they would want to take, or an alternative mode of transport like taxis,” he said.
He said proper information about schedules would benefit commuters and authorities. It will reduce the uncertainty over using public transport buses, improve passenger satisfaction, promote public transport and reduce congestions caused by private vehicles.
Commuters experience delays not only at street bus stops but also at the main Al Ghanim Bus Terminal. Many commuters there said they had waited for over 40 minutes for their buses. “People don’t mind waiting for a bus if they know how long it’s going to take. Even if they have to waste time, at least they know it’s going to be 20 minutes, for example,” said a commuter at the terminal, waiting for bus No. 12 to Barwa City. “Otherwise, you are sitting here thinking the bus will come along in about a few minutes, and when it doesn’t show up, you get frustrated.”The Peninsula
