Tribune News Network
Doha
A joint venture partnership of the French company Keolis and infrastructure asset management specialist RATP has been named as the operator of the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram.
The appointment follows a highly rigorous process led by Qatar Rail, which involved extensive reviews of offers received from international bidders, the company said in a statement on Thursday.
In announcing the selection, Qatar Rail highlighted a number of differentiators that led to the selection of KeolisRATP.
Minister of Transport and Communiction HE Jassim Saif al Suailti, who is also the vice chairman of Qatar Rail, said,"Aside from their world-renowned experience, a well-designed staffing plan, innovative approaches to service delivery and a strong transition experience have all been crucial factors in our selection of KeolisRATP. With a solid history of demonstrated improvements in on-time performance at other agencies and global experience with implementing programs and best practices to ensure the highest levels of fleet maintenance and vehicle appearance, we look forward to working with them in delivering and maintaining a state of the art transport system serving Qatar."
Qatar Rail will remain accountable and will oversee the operation and maintenance of the network. Under the terms of the contract, the joint venture will see Keolis and RATP responsible for operating and maintaining both the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram.
Qatar Rail will see all activities which will be the operational responsibility of Keolis and RATP. This will include the day-to-day running of both networks, including operation of the control room, customer service provisions, security and revenue protection and roaming strain staff and drivers.