One million use Karwa bus services

Source: The Peninsula

Friday, November 13, 2009

DOHA: Over one million people have utilised the Karwa bus services during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Double-decker buses were the most favourite during the season.

A report from Mowasalat shows that the month of August, especially during the Ramadan days, witnessed the highest number of passengers. The 37 routes had 1.3 m passengers in August.

To cope with the Ramadan and Eid rushes, more buses were introduced on various routes. The company launched over two dozen buses and several taxis on the Eid day. Buses to Industrial area had the highest number of passengers with Route number 33 plying 1, 45,425 in August. Buses on route number 32 carried 75,213 and number 55 had 55,497 passengers.

The double-decker buses introduced late last year was a hit among the passengers. The five buses in service now have a capacity of 68 with 26 seats in the lower deck and 42 in the upper deck. More double-deckers will be added in one month time.

Dont Walk While You Talk

A Traffic Awareness video issued in the public interest by Public Relations Dept. Ministry of Interior - State of Qatar

YouTube Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR4R7gmya7I&feature=related

Karwa Bus in Qatar

Awful Driving !! Driving at 140 km/hr where the speed limit is 80 km/hr

YouTube Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0eEn7AOM4s&NR=1&feature=fvwp

Renan inside karwa bus with friends

YouTube Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWUJrqCrdrE

Karwa | Taxi Doha

Doha Taxi Service
Source Link: http://www.infotaxi.org/company-10214.htm

Comment By Muggie -- Doha (Qatar)
Posted: 2009-10-26

The ladies that answer the phones are pathetic. Every time I have tried booking a taxi, they tell me they only have limousines available and then the lady proceeds to put down the phone. Now, they either did not have proper training or which is most probably that they just don't care. I honestly do not believe that there just never is a taxi available when one needs to book. It's easier to stand on the street and hail a taxi, but not always convenient. I suggest that these people be given the proper training on how to speak to their customers, before they are handed a telephone and let loose on the public.



Comment by aiwa -- Doha (Qatar)
Posted: 2009-07-13

Karwa taxi is the best.



Comment by blake -- Doha (Qatar)
Posted: 2009-07-12

Caught a karwa cab near my home, taxi driver refused to put on the meter, even though the customer that just got out had the meter on. he then proceeded to charge me more than I would have paid on meter, and wouldn't go to the building I wanted because he wanted to go to the nearby (800m away!) customer pick-up instead. I've travelled the third world, and I've never seen anything like this cab service. shameful!!




Comment by Eleanor -- Doha (Qatar)
Posted: 2009-07-01

Just called for a taxi. It's 7:09 am and the first taxi available is 9 am. This is not a taxi service! You have to pre-book as if it were a limo service.



Comment by Mazen Matar -- Doha (Qatar)
Posted: 2009-01-13

The phone receptionists are horrible. One of them asks me for a phone number and hangs up. Then I called back and the same lady said they had no cars. I don't understand who sits behind these phones.



Comment by shark -- Doha (Qatar)
Posted: 2009-06-14

Karwa taxi in doha has a very bad service.... not to mention the smell of it. they don't know how to handle their customers. I dont advise you guys to take these taxis unless otherwise there's no choice at all which is always the case.

Franchise Excellence Begins Karwa Franchise

Qatar's Taxi Service Franchise -- Anyone Interested?
Source: zawya.com

The Link: http://www.zawya.com/pdfstory.cfm?storyid=ZAWYA20071114120028&l=120000071114

(Press Release of 14/11/07)

FranExcel has begun work on a fully integrated Franchise Development Program on behalf of Mowasalat, the nation's public transportation company of the State of Qatar. Their Karwa Taxi business division, will be transformed into a fully-fledged franchise system, offering the private sector the unique opportunity to operate taxis across the country.

"This is just the beginning. We operate in a proactive working environment, dynamic and ambitious. We share the common goal of having a strategic plan for the future, this after laying the important ground elements we have now. While we maintain our high operational standards, we have mapped out a strategic expansion program, which will give the private sector an equal opportunity of participating in the public transport business, by means of franchising." said Ahmed Al-Ansari, Business Development Director.

Ahmed Al Ansari

"We are excited about this expansion program and are very pleased to be working with FranExcel. Over the past year, we have been carefully preparing sensible steps to deliver a well-developed, comprehensive and profitable franchise program offering," says Senior Franchise Development Officer, Tim Garcia. He adds, "We would like to take advantage of our proven transport management success and experience in delivering integrated ground transport solutions developed over the past few years in operation, from a customer on an airport taxi ride to as big as handling an international sporting event as the Doha Asian Games 2006, a very significant factor that a potential franchise operator can capitalize on."

FranExcel Managing Director Gareth Parry said, "We are extremely happy to be working with Mowasalat and share their vision on the future of public transportation in the State of Qatar. This is unique development in Qatar and we are honoured to be helping them develop and achieve their long-term strategy. This will be a great opportunity for the private sector in Qatar to take an active role in the public transportation sector and will help deliver even higher standards alreafy being seen in the country."

Franchise Excellence (FranExcel) is headquartered in Dubai and is a global franchise marketing, consultancy and training company, with combined industry knowledge of more than 50 years and branch offices in 6 countries, serving customers in more than 30 markets. Franchise Excellence also conducts franchise infrastructure programs for governments, assists with the drafting of franchise legislation and also helps banks and financial institutions build dedicated franchise departments and systems.

Mowasalat

In just a little over 3 years since its inception, Mowasalat, the Transport Company, 100% owned by the government of the State of Qatar has been operating alongside the country's phenomenal economic growth, with a GDP now ranking among the highest in the world today.

Mowasalat - Karwa, started its operations in early 2005 with only 33 taxis and 660 buses and an additional 2,634 taxis and 657 buses in 2006, and by the end of 2007, will have a total of 2,739 taxis and 1,678 buses.

While the name Mowasalat is literally a translation of Transport Company in Arabic, the name Karwa is a local indigenous Arabic word used in the old-days of transporting people and goods known in English as "tariff" or "pay fee" for transportation. This, along with the inspiration of the brand identity, gives Karwa its uniqueness and is able to present itself with its rich cultural roots and a modern industry achiever in its class.

Karwa operates the largest number of 100 Jaguar XJ-series units in GCC, plus BMW Series 5, Mercedes Benz and Ford Crown Victoria in its Doha Limousine Department, to offer to distinguished and VIP passengers. Karwa introduced the first buses in the GCC region to run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and now LPG Taxis to initially operate as many as 200 units by 2008.

Specially labeled Karwa Airport Taxis have been in place for airport use with 150 spacious Ford Freestar units, capable of accommodating up to 7 passengers and several big luggage pieces, normally required by arriving passengers at the airport. Karwa has also allotted a specially-built London Taxi imported from the UK and a number of GMC Vans equipped with automatic lift system to transport passengers with special needs. All these are backed by their sophisticated Call Centre Management System, where taxi and limousine units are equipped with the latest technology available using the Tetra Radio System, which offers a real-time communications and monitoring system, operating 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Serving the huge requirement of the Ministry of Education, 360 new Karwa branded buses which come specifically fitted with LCD large screens with DVD player, water dispenser, cozy interior, full climate control, and individual seat belts adds to the existing 1,200 school buses, plus 300 more new units due to arrive this year. These, on top of the 185 Public Service Vehicles (PSV) plying on more than 37 interlaced routes for public transport on the main and minor streets of Qatar. The PSV's have an easy access, low first--step, huge clear emergency windows and allotted seats for women and children near the front entrance.

In addition to the family is the Karwa Transportation and Development Centre, a driving school aimed at providing high-standard professional driving training with world-class environment, facilities and specialized trainers.

Mowasalat - Karwa, has been accredited by City & Guilds of UK and The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents for world-class transport safety training, ensuring the highest standards of transport training for all of our 5,391 professional drivers to date. Also, the company is a member of the International Association of Public Transport and the International Franchising Association.

Remark:

From reliable sources, this franchise project had failed to take off at the time of posting. It was published in the local media that there was not even one single local public-listed company interested in taking the franchise. A clear sign of no conficence with the franchisor?? Make your guess then ......

Taxi drivers in Qatar complain of fewer customers

Source: The Peninsula -- 20/03/2009

A Karwa taxi driver waiting for customer.

While many residents complain about a shortage of taxis in the city, some drivers of Karwa taxis say they are not getting enough passengers now.

The Department of Traffic and Patrols has launched a crackdown against illegal cabs, but this does not seem to have caused an increase in the number of people using the Karwa taxis, operated by Mowasalat.

"We have seen a sudden drop in the number of passengers. Normally, after winter, we should have more customers. We have to pay a fixed amount to the company every day whether we earn that much or not. There days we don't make any profits, even if we work hard," lamented a driver.

He said the traffic jams in the city had made their job even more difficult. "Earlier, I used to earn at least QR2,000 a month after paying the company's share from the daily income. If the current situation continues, we are sure to lose," he added.

Some drivers were quick to attribute the fall in the number of passengers to the global economic downturn. "Earlier, we had a number of passengers going for outings and for late night parties. Such customers are very few these days," said a driver.

He agreed that high taxi fares could be a factor that prevented people from hailing a Karwa cab. This also explains the increasing popularity of the public buses not only among low-income workers but also among women and executives.

A senior official of Mowasalat, however, said yesterday that Karwa taxis were operating normally and no significant drop in the daily collection had been reported so far. He admitted that compared to the taxi service, the bus service had gained popularity in recent months.

Mowasalat has no immediate plans to go for further expansion of its fleet of taxis and buses, he said. "We are waiting for completion of the Karwa City project by next year. Any major expansion plan will be considered only after that," the official told The Peninsula.

The company is working on a plan to introduce more effective monitoring of its taxis and public buses, he added.

Karwa men say three cheers to crackdown on illegal cabs

Source: Qatar Tribune (Exclusive) - Thursday, 17 Sept 2009
By: IKOLI VICTOR

Karwa taxis assembled for photography at Mowasalat compound.

DOHA: The sustained crackdown on private taxis by the Traffic and Patrols Department has come as a boon for Mowasalat taxi drivers whose business these clandestine taxi operators affected.

In recent weeks, the Traffic and Patrols Department has stepped up its crackdown on illegal private taxis plying in the city.

The offence is punishable under Qatar Traffic laws with a fine of QR3,000 and impounding of the car.Karwa Taxi drivers, the consequential victims of the offence, are naturally happy with the new development.

As the illegal and more numerous competitors stole their passengers with impunity, the Karwa drivers see this move as a morale booster.

Speaking to Qatar Tribune, a Filipino Taxi Driver, Ninto Mendel, said: “the increasing number of illegal taxis had apparently outnumbered Karwa taxis in the country causing the average daily income of Karwa drivers to fall.

With this crackdown, I hope to be able to meet the company’s demand and save for myself.

This crackdown is very good.” Rasik an Indian Karwa driver said, “I am happy with the current crackdown on private cabs, they compete with us at major shopping malls and bus stops, they pick up passengers from the roads and also get prior bookings on phone.” Usman Badrou an Eritrean driver wanted stronger action.

“If private cabs are totally eradicated from the roads our productivity and efficiency will be go up as there will be more passengers per vehicle to pick up.

We’ll be prompt and happy to work,” he said.

With these efforts to curb illegal private cabs, however, many residents believe that shortage of taxis in Doha would aggravate, unless Mowasalat goes for a further expansion of its fleet of buses and taxis.

Mowasalat on its part has no plans to increase its fleet of taxis.

“For now, we are concentrating on completion of the Karwa City project.

Any major expansion would come up next year,” said an official.

Kimo Mohammed, a Sudanese resident said, “Private taxis are not only cheaper than Karwa taxis.

They also come at short notice in contrast to Karwa taxis where booking 24 hours in advance is probably the only guarantee.”

‘Fewer’ taxis on roads due to Dagoc duty

Source: Gulf Times
Wednesday 15 November, 2006
By Rohit William Wadhwaney

IF you’re wondering where all the Karwa taxis have gone, try the Mowasalat’s head office in the Abu Hamour area, where more than half of the near 1,500 cabs that were earlier operational are parked throughout the day as a large number of Karwa drivers have been temporarily transferred to the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (Dagoc).

"No more than 300 Karwa taxis are running on the roads at the moment," revealed a Karwa taxi driver, who has been with the public transport company ever since it was launched two years ago. The driver added that he is one of the about 2,000 Mowasalat drivers who are now "under training" for driving around the guests for the Doha Asian Games that kick off on December 1.

He said: "We are picked up in buses and taken straight to the Dagoc office. One car is given to four drivers, and we are given a route map. All we are told to do is drive on that route for 12 hours, from one stadium to the other, so that we get used to the roads and know how much time it would take from one place to the other. That’s our daily drill."

Over the past few weeks Mowasalat has been repeatedly denying that any of the current "1,470" Karwa taxis, operational in and around Doha, has been taken off the roads due to shortage of drivers.

"We have sent a number of drivers to work for the Dagoc, but we have more than enough left to drive the existing regular taxis," officials had said earlier.

But there have been complaints galore that the waiting time to find a cab, which was any way long before, had gotten even longer over the past few days.

"Leave alone finding a cab, there are only a few Karwa taxis seen on the roads nowadays," said a Kenyan resident.

In fact, the 200-odd orange-and-white taxis, that were to go off the roads last week and had a last-minute deadline extension till January 2007, are seen more frequently these days.

A Gulf Times team that visited the public transport company’s head office in Abu Hamour at 10am yesterday, counted a whopping 909 Karwa taxis just parked in the company’s sprawling parking area.

Another 150-odd taxis, covered in dust, were standing outside the parking area of the Mowasalat office, apparently "waiting to be repaired or serviced."

When contacted, Mowasalat’s Marketing Manager Ahmed al-Ansari said: "Indeed we have been training our drivers - more than 2,000 - of the various routes and procedures they will need to know to provide services to expected guests and visitors to Doha during Asian Games. This process began in September this year, and is very nearly complete.

Mr. Ahmed Al Ansari

"We have a number of drivers supporting Dagoc at this time," but, "we have new drivers coming into the operation continuously to increase our number of operational taxis on duty."

Al-Ansari said Mowasalat continues to operate "as many taxis as we can at this exceptionally busy period in Doha."

He, however, did not answer a question as to exactly how many Karwa taxis are operational on the roads at the moment, and if the number had declined with the Games nearing.

Sources said Karwa drivers had been divided into three groups – T1, T2 and T3 – for the Asian Games. "T1 members will drive the VVIPs around during the Games. T2 drivers will drive the sportspersons and officials to and from the various venues, while the T3 men will drive the regular Karwa taxis."

While the T1 and T2 groups of drivers are "mostly veterans", almost all T3 drivers are new recruits, sources said.

However, a source said that though the number of Karwa taxis on the roads at the moment was "fewer", a large number of them would take to the roads once the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 begin. "The T3 drivers would have completed their training by then. But the situation is likely to get back to normal only after the Games are over," he said.

Mowasalat has promised there will be "at least 2,500" Karwa taxis operating in the country by January 2007.