Qatar Ministry of Transport and Communications has signed a contract with Gulf Business Machines Qatar (GBM) in partnership with MSI Global of Singapore for the Integrated Automated Fare Collection and Ticketing System for public transport.
Planned to complete and begin operation in 2020, the new system provides a unified ticketing mechanism for public transport, which will be based on credit card payment technologies in addition to payment via smartphones and smartwatches.
The project aims to improve Qatar’s transport system functionality, achieve integration and encourage people to use public transport more frequently by providing a more flexible and seamless system. The passengers would use the new system very easily on all needs related to public transportation such as the metro, the Lusail Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, buses, taxis and marine transport. For public transit operators, the new system is helping reduce costs associated with ticketing systems, machines and maintenance and provide continued supply of data.
“The project comes within the Ministry’s efforts to further improve the performance and integration of the country’s transport system to achieve the economic objectives associated with transport efficiency and effectiveness. It would 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 and Mowasalat “Karwa” [the public transport company]. This would help in the integration of all current and future land and marine transport networks,” said Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, the Minister of Transport.
The project, he added, aims for the optimal use of computer technologies, advanced communications systems and smart e-payment systems that mirror latest developments in mobility and transportation industry. This is one of the smart projects that help streamline procedures through reducing time and effort consumed.
The structure of the new project has multiple components for a unified fare collection and ticketing system, including ticketing, ticket vending machines, standalone validators and central clearinghouse.
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