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World-class quality, easy to use, accessible and worth the wait. These are some of the words used by commuters to describe their observation and experience of the Doha Metro Red Line which opened its first section to the public on Wednesday.
A number of Filipino expats were among those who hurriedly bought their travel cards as soon as news spread about the Metro opening and many of them trooped to the stations early on Wednesday to be among the first batch of passengers to experience the much-awaited transportation facility in the country.
Among the early riders was Zeke Tunay, a known Filipino social media influencer in Qatar and behind the famous family blog Best Life Qatar.
“I’m really very excited about this facility that I immediately purchase a travel card as soon as it became available and was one of the early riders on the firsy day of operation. I was very happy to see this vision finally coming to life. Those days when you have to tolerate the noise and inconveniences of these construction sites is finally over and now giving all of us a more convenient and economical way of commuting around the city. The stations are clean, very spacious and well-lighted,” said Zeke.
He also added, “I am excited to see when all the shops at the stations would be open in the future. The train ride itself is smooth. It was really comfortable and I would like to commend the staff of Qatar Rail for assisting people with their queries and need for directions. Indeed, the bright days are up ahead for all the residents of Qatar!”
Another first rider was Lulu Gumila together with her family. She said, “The experience reminded me of riding the subway when I was in Toronto, Canada but even better. You can tell that the stations were made with intentions of making it world-class. The facilities are clean and rates are affordable. Staff were there also to attend to the inquiries of the passengers which we really appreciate.”
Lulu also said she is also happy that the Metro has a designated section for families which makes the ride even more convenient for them. Lulu’s daughter Pia even excitedly shared her Metro ride experience live on Facebook to show to friends and family back home.
There are around 230,000 Filipino expats working and living in Qatar and commuting is very much part of their daily lives back home. While a huge number of Filipino expats in Qatar are car owners, many of them are still expected to be patrons of this landmark project.
Also commenting on the opening of the newest means of transportation in Qatar, Joseph Rivera, a real estate specialist, said, “The launching of the Doha Metro will actually ease not just the mass commuters and the surge of visitors for 2022 but will also certainly impact the real estate outlook of Doha both commercial and residential. People would now want to live near the stations and commuting to major malls and attractions would now be easier.”
Ann, an admin employee, added, “The opening of the first section of the Red line is just the beginning. I can’t wait for all the Doha Metro lines to open! This is definitely a very important gift of Qatar to its people. The affordable rates will benefit many workers. I see this facility as an opportunity to conveniently visit more places in the country. I can make several trips to my favorite places Katara or to Qatar National Library without the rush.”
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12/05/2019
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