Job Discussion Forums

[capthappy20002000]

Hi All

I'm moving to Doha in January. What is the public bus transportation system like? In your opinion, will I need to buy a car? Or, is the public bus system sufficient to get around adequatetly?

Thanks for your opinions and information!

[veiledsentiments]

I'd say that it depends on where you live and where you work. I never had a job in the Gulf where it would have been possible to take a bus... a car was always required and one of my first investments.

You will need to scope it out once you get there. (you might luck out) Just be sure to take along a valid driver's license with a year or so to go... and perhaps a "no claims" letter from an insurance company if you can get one.

VS

[millie18]

Are you prepared to stand in full sun temps of 40 -50+C and 197% humidity (OK 197% is a slight exageration, but not by much) for 6 months of the year waiting for a bus which will literally be jam packed at the busier times of day, stuck in traffic and taking a circuitous route between A and B?

Bus routes do not cover the areas for most ESL teacher employers (QU, CNAQ, or Education City)

I know of some people who tried it out but it proved impractible for commuting - some use it to get to the supermarket or other shops but no one relies on it on a regular basis

[capthappy20002000]

Hi,

Again, thanks for your advice and opinions. It looks like I will need to buy a car.

Thanks!

[paperback]

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=370215&version=1&template_id=57&parent_id=56

[paperback]

[paperback]

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=397761&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Naturally!

[lollaerd]

300 more taxis they say. They need to have a good bus transit system where you can transfer from one bus to another and not have to go downtown to that dreadfully smelly bus station. I've had to use it the past few days as I sold my vehicle and it really does smell of urine.

[paperback]

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=409661&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

[lollaerd]

Totally inadequate. Only one bus company run by the only taxi company in town owned by the ruling family. A complete monopoly on public transport. The taxi service is appalling; you can even be refused a ride by a driver if you're not going far enough for him. Booking hopeless as they never arrive on time.

It is crucial that other taxi companies be allowed to operate. Mowsalat needs competition. QTel improved when Vodaphone arrived.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/130154-the-issue-challenges-ofkeeping-them-on-the-go.html

[wilberforce]

Bus system is still feeble. Buses don't connect -you have to go to Central Station to change buses. Not enough buses anyway.

[Geronimo]

Hello capthappy20002000,

Unless you are exceptionally lucky with the bus routes, you will probably need to hire or buy a car to get around on a daily basis in Doha.

Note that driving in Doha is not for the faint-hearted!
Road accidents are numerous...
http://www.salimandsalimah.org/documents/AneglectedepidemicRTAsinQatar.pdf

Whilst I agree with other posters that licensed taxis are often not easy to find, there is an alternative to Karwa...
Fox Taxis has been operating for some years now.
It has a desk at the Villaggio Mall..
Contact details available at:- http://www.foxtransport.net/

Geronimo

[wilberforce]

If you don't buy a bus card (only available at the smelly central bus station - pisspot smelly) you pay 10 QR for a trip. So if you need to take 2 buses, it will cost you 20 riyals and a lot of time. Double that amount and you can go by taxi!