How Sustainable Transport Has Played A Part In Transforming Qatar | |
Sumita Pawar |
Doha, the site of the 2022 Smart Cities Expo, was recently hosted by the State of Qatar. Digital technology and its connection to smart and sustainable mobility were just one of many themes at the event. These recurring ideas highlight the importance of rethinking conventional forms of transport in light of the advantages offered by digital technology for achieving sustainability objectives. The State of Qatar, for instance, has committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030. While this is an aggressive target, it is one that is within reach if countries like Qatar adopt a comprehensive framework that results in a qualitative shift in the approach to managing mobility and civil organisation.
A comprehensive five-point framework can help cities make the transition to intelligent and sustainable mobility systems:
To begin, cities need to prioritise public transport, with the option of entirely electric fleets. Having spent US$36 billion on the high-quality, fully automated Doha metro system, the State of Qatar supplies this mode of transportation. The government has set a goal of having all public transport in the country be emission-free by the year 2030.
Data Collection: Inventories And Surveys
The Inventories and Surveys Project is a vital part of the ongoing work to revise the Transport Master Plan for Qatar 2050 (TMPQ), which in turn helps to revise the Qatar Strategic Transport Model, establish the criteria for transport planning and traffic analysis, and determine the standards to be used.
The Project also includes setting up The Transportation Data Management System (TDMS), which is a geographic database backed by a web-based platform and an intuitive interface for accessing, visualising, analysing, and extracting information from these databases.
Both public agencies and private consultancies can use the TDMS to conduct transport research.
Qatar Activity-Based Model (QABM)
Decision-makers in the State of Qatar will benefit from using the Qatar Activity-Based Model (QABM), a dependable national transportation planning tool.
Taking into account shared activities and trips made by members of the same family, QABM represents a revolutionary step forward in transportation modelling and planning thanks to its ability to simulate the activities of a population based on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.
In order to make QABM more accessible, the Ministry of Transport built a web-based platform with an interactive users interface that allows users to visualise the model's components and gain access to the model's key inputs, data, and maps without having to use the model themselves or purchase a commercial licence.
The Transportation Master Plan for Qatar 2050 (TMPQ) lays out a comprehensive strategy for the country's transportation system for the next three decades, from planning to implementation.
There are five volumes of the TMPQ and accompanying manuals and guidelines for carrying out the various aspects of the plan.
In the long run, this all-encompassing plan will put Qatar at the forefront of the world's most sustainable nations in terms of providing innovative and environmentally friendly transport solutions that boost the economy and improve the quality of life for citizens and residents without sacrificing Qatar's unique cultural character.
TK Elevators Are Eco-Friendly And Convenient
TK Elevator helped build Qatar's Doha Oasis residential, commercial and mall complex. The company offers quick, safe, and comfortable indoor mobility with over 170 transport systems.
Rapid urbanisation challenges Doha Oasis. These include maximising space, energy, and transportation capacity. Two TWIN lift systems—the only lifts with two cabins functioning independently in one shaft—meet these standards. They save energy and move passengers faster. TWIN lifts 40% more people than ordinary lifts. TWIN uses 50% less area due to fewer shafts. This adds commercial space and gives architects more architectural freedom.
"With our solutions specially adapted to Doha Oasis, we offer all passengers a smooth, safe and comfortable mobility experience, and operators the best possible building utilisation," explains TK Elevator CEO Peter Walker. TK Elevator represents German engineering expertise, quality, innovation, and efficiency. Doha Oasis shows our advanced technologies' commercial, planning, and user experience potential."
QIB Signs Sustainable Mobility Partnership With Qatari Startup "Loop"
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) and Loop Transportation, a Qatari startup, partnered to promote sustainable transportation and encourage people to utilise eco-friendly alternatives to cars.
Beginning in November, the agreement follows QIB's sustainability standards for urban mobility and encourages people to limit their carbon footprint to combat climate change. QIB-branded e-scooters will be positioned at commuter-friendly locations like Doha, Lusail, Al Waab, Al Aziziya, Al Sudan, and metro stations.
"We are pleased to be partnering with Loop Mobility to encourage the public to use more environmentally friendly means of transport," stated QIB's Chief Strategy & Digital Officer, Dinos Constantinides. E-scooters are economical, eco-friendly and efficient in cooler temperatures. We have always promoted sustainability in Qatar, and we hope this stimulates more use of e-scooters to reduce emissions and safeguard the environment. This relationship supports our sustainability initiatives and Qatar's startup ecosystem development.”
Ibrahim Mohd A H Al Mohannadi, Loop's owner, said: “We thank QIB for this opportunity and we are proud to partner with the Bank as part of our mission to empower the community to have more freedom and access to eco-friendly and sustainable transportation options. E-scooters are helping us move towards sustainable urban mobility and advance communities as we expand across the region. As we lead the market towards sustainable micro-mobility, we remain committed to climate action. With this new relationship, we intend to engage the wider population and give a more ecologically responsible and convenient alternative to effortlessly move around the city.”
Second, it is important for municipalities to facilitate the transition from gas-powered to electric vehicles. Alternatives are being used in Qatar, with electric buses being used on the Golden Metro line. Mowasalat, the public transport operator in Qatar, has recently introduced bus charging stations as part of a comprehensive strategy for electric vehicles that necessitates incentives for private automobile owners to adopt electric vehicles provided by the Ministry of Transport. The adoption of EVs will be aided by a memorandum of understanding inked between the ministry and Al-Fardan for cars, which will provide free charging stations around the country.
Transportation Master Plan For 2050
The purpose of this Plan is to provide a road map for investing in land transportation infrastructure by outlining the frameworks and future orientations for developing the transportation networks across the country in a way that ensures their integration with land uses, urban development, population growth, and future transportation demand.
This Plan is based on the principle of sustainability because of the profound effect it can have on both economic and environmental growth by achieving a balance between the needs for economic development and those for environmental protection, and by helping to slow the rate at which the planet's temperature rises through the implementation of long-term initiatives that promote the shift to environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
Implementing transportation demand management policies and forming public-private partnerships to invest in and contribute to building and operating the country's transportation systems are also key components of the Plan, which together help ensure the land transportation sector is financially sustainable.
Increased revenues and the benefits of reduced vehicle operating costs, energy and fuel consumption, trip times, carbon emissions, and road accidents will yield substantial economic returns from implementing the plan.