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Draft:Karwa

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  • Comment: All based on a blog source, clearly unreliable one. -Lemonaka 01:07, 23 December 2024 (UTC)


Mowasalat Karwa
Native name
كروه
Karwa
Company typePrivate
IndustryPublic Transport
Founded2002; 22 years ago
HeadquartersDoha, Qatar
Number of locations
Bus

Karwa Bus stop for Bus 56, To Doha
Karwa Bus stop Najma Street
Karwa Bus stop 21/22 - Al Muntazah

Karwa Bus stop, Salwa road, Industrial Area station (Ar Rayyan)
Area served
Can be found throughout Qatar.
ProductsMobile App
ServicesRidesharing

Bus

Public Transport
Number of employees
10,000
ParentMowasalat Qatar
Websitewww.mowasalat.com karwa.qa

Karwa (Also known as Karwa Taxi locally or Mowasalat) is a private[1] Qatari public transportation company that provides Taxi, Limousine, Airport Transport and Bus services.[2] It is headquartered in Doha, [3]Qatar and is owned by Mowasalat (a government owned-public transportation service). It is one of the seven official taxi services recognised by the Qatari Government alongside others such as, Uber, Ryde, BadrGo, Zoom Ride, Aber and QDrive.[4]Mowasalat was launched in 2002. Karwa vehicles can be identified by their turquoise color. Karwa, manages over 3,000 taxi sedans, including airport taxis featuring 2007 Ford Freestar models with larger cabins. The company also operates more than 120 public buses, school buses, and private-hire coaches. In 2009, Mowasalat organized a parade of 300 buses, which set a world record for the largest gathering of buses.

Karwa Taxi

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A Silver roof Karwa Taxi (Toyota Camry 2011)

The most commonly used vehicle for Karwa taxis are Toyota Camry, Toyota Previa and Volkswagen Passat

Karwa taxis can also come in different models based on the roof color.

Silver Roofed (Mowasalat Taxi), this is the most commonly found Karwa Taxi and is the most widely known. These cars are typically branded Toyota Camry, Toyota Previa and Volkswagen-Jetta. These cars are the only state owned cars on the list. Note: The next 4 categories consists of franchise taxi operators that Mowasalat has incorporated. These operators maintain the same regulated branding and the same quality service standards as Mowasalat-Karwa taxis. However, unlike the silver-roofed taxis, they are limited to providing street pick-up services and bookings through the contact center.

Maroon Roofed Karwa Taxi

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Maroon roofed Karwa taxi (Camry)

Maroon-roofed taxis, operated by Al Million, are one of the first taxi franchises under Mowasalat's network. Introduced in 2012, these taxis have been in operation for 12 years as of 2024. As of March 2018, the fleet consisted of 500 vehicles, making them a notable component of Qatar's transportation system.

The fleet includes Toyota Camry and Toyota Fortuner models. The Toyota Camry is used for standard passenger transport, while the Toyota Fortuner, being an SUV, provides additional space for passengers or luggage. These vehicles follow the branding and operational standards set by Mowasalat, consistent with other taxis in the network. The maroon-roofed taxis are utilized for general transport services across various areas of Qatar.[5][6][7]

Blue roofed Karwa Taxi (Nissan Ultima 2012)

Blue Roofed (Al Ijarah) Taxi

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Blue-roofed taxis, operated by Al Ijarah, are the second most common type of taxis found in Qatar. There were 1000 taxis before July 2018, Which after Al Ijarah reduced the number to 500[8], making them a significant part of the public transportation landscape in the country. These taxis have been in service for over a decade, having commenced operations in 2012.

The blue-roofed taxi fleet primarily consists of Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Camry models. These vehicles are are widely used for both street pick-ups and bookings made through the contact center. The consistent presence of these taxis over the years has made them a familiar option for residents and visitors alike. Al Ijarah ensures that the vehicles adhere to the same quality and service standards as other Karwa-affiliated taxis, contributing to the overall reliability of the transportation system in Qatar.‎[9][7]

Yellow roofed (Profit Trading) Karwa Taxi

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Profit Trading Karwa Taxi (Toyota Camry)

Yellow-roofed taxis, operated by Profit Trading and Contracting, are part of the Mowasalat network in Qatar. These taxis have been in service since 2014, making them operational for 10 years as of 2024. They are available in various areas across the country and contribute to Qatar's public transportation system.

The fleet primarily consists of Toyota Camry and Toyota Innova models. The Toyota Camry is widely used for general passenger transport, while the Toyota Innova offers additional seating capacity, accommodating larger groups or passengers with extra luggage. These taxis follow the standardized branding and service guidelines set by Mowasalat, aligning with the operational framework of other taxis in the network.[10][11][12]

Charcoal Roofed (Ibn Ajayan) Karwa Taxi

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A charcoal roofed (Skoda Superb) Karwa Taxi
Karwa Limousine ( Audi A8, A6, A7)

This franchise is the newest addition to the Mowasalat network, having been in operation since 2015. As of 2024, it has been providing transportation services for nine years. The fleet primarily consists of Skoda Superb vehicles, along with similar models that offer similar features and capacity.

These vehicles are maintained to meet the operational standards established by Mowasalat, ensuring consistency with other taxi services in the network. The franchise focuses on providing reliable transport across various areas of Qatar while adhering to the standardized branding and quality expectations set for all Mowasalat-affiliated taxis.[13][14][15]

Luxury Vehicles

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Mowasalat operates a fleet of luxury vehicles, often referred to locally as limousines, that are available for various transportation services. These services include airport transfers, corporate travel, and private bookings. The vehicles in this fleet include models such as the Audi A4, A6, and A8. Vans and SUVs are also used.[16] There are over 100 standard limousines and 200 Jaguar XJ VIP units that are placed typically at the Hamad International Airport, and major Hotels in Qatar.

Tesla Model 3 Karwa Limousine

Tesla

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Karwa has recently added Teslas to its Luxury Vehicles Fleet. Namely the Model S and Model 3.[17] This was a move that contributes environmentally as Mowasalat has been fond of the idea of converting to an eco-friendly brand.

Buses

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Karwa Bus (Double Decker)

Karwa also has Bus-Transport, with over 53 bus routes and 1,776 stops.[18] (See routes here)

Karwa's buses are from brands like Yutong, which after an agreement with Mowasalat, supplied Qatar with 1,002 Yutong buses, in 2020, including 741 E- buses. These buses were initially meant to operate for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but these buses still operate to this day[19][20].[21]

The buses operate under a minimal fare. Making public transport an easy way to navigate around the country for a low price. Karwa also operates more than 120 Public buses, School buses, and private hire coaches. Qatar has 2 free bus services, known as MetroLink, and MetroExpress. Operated by Qatar Rail, the MetroLink Service is used to connect passengers to and from Doha Metro and Lusail Tram Stations. MetroExpress is free for Doha Metro and Lusail Tram passengers, but it must be used for conjunction with metro or tram rides.

Guinness world records

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Largest Parade of buses
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In 2009, the Mowasalat reached a world record in the Guinness book for the largest parade of buses. The largest parade of Karwa buses consisted of 325 buses and was organized by Mowasalat - Transport Company in Doha, Qatar, on 21 August 2009.

A 4.8 km-long convoy of 325 Karwa buses travelled a stretch of 5 km on the Shahaniya-Dukhan highway, which is about 56 km from Doha[22].[23]

Largest Electric bus depot
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The Guinness world record for the Largest electric bus depot is held by the Ministry of Transport and Public works authority, the bus depot has the capacity of 478 buses, and was achieved by The Ministry of Transport and The Public Works Authority – Ashghal (both Qatar), in Doha, Qatar, on 16 October 2022.[24]

Registered Taxi Companies in Qatar

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The 7 official taxi companies in Qatar(Including Qdrive)

7 Registered Companies

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As of December 2024, there are only 7 registered taxi companies legally operating under a license, these companies are recognised by the MOT (Ministry of Transport). The companies are, Uber, Ryde, Karwa Technologies, QDrive, Badr, Zoom Ride, and ride.[25]

Any other taxi service other than the recognised few are deemed illegal in the state.

"The Ministry of Transport (MoT) warned that legal actions will be taken against violating companies that operate passenger transportation services via electronic application"[26]

Competition & Criticism

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Orange Taxis

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Orange Taxi, Showcase at the National Museum of Qatar
Orange Taxi, Showcased at the National Museum of Qatar[27]
This was the old license plate used for taxis

Before Mowasalat was launched, Orange taxis were the cars used for public transport, these cars were mainly active in the 1990's. These taxis were privately-owned and were once a common sight in the streets of Qatar. When the Qatari Government launched Mowasalat in 2002, The phasing out of the orange taxis began, this phase lasted 4 years until in 2006, when these taxis were completely off the roads of Qatar. The government, in response, has claimed that the old taxis were removed because they posed a threat to the new Mowasalat taxis.[28]. Taxis are now not as accessible (On the streets) as they used to be. The orange taxi, alongside 12 other vintage cars were showcased at an exhibition in the National Museum of Qatar, Doha until 29 February.

The old taxi cars are Toyota Cressina DX.

Recent Developments

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Conversion to Electric/Hybrid

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Mowasalat has made progress in making its fleet eco-friendly, in May 2022, Mowasalat announced the replacement of all City taxis with hybrid-electric eco friendly counterparts. The vehicles run on a self-charging hybrid electric system that runs on a Low emission petrol and electric motor. Public buses, government school buses and Doha Metro feeder buses will slowly but gradually, shift to electric, the company has set a goal to hit the roll-out percentage required to reduce harmful carbon emissions from buses by 2030.

Karwa Bus

“We have crossed the target of converting 25 percent of the public transportation into eco-friendly mode. The public and school transportation will be completely eco-friendly by 2030,” Minister of Transport H E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti disscussed.

Electric buses already make up roughly 70% of the public transport fleet, said Hamad Ali Al Marri, Director of the Land Transport Licensing Department, speaking at a ceremony organized by the Business Class Advertising Group in Doha[29]

World Cup

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Yutong supplied Qatar with 1,002 Yutong buses, in 2020, including 741 E- buses. These buses were ordered for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

4,000 buses have been operated during the tournament, of which about 3,000 were dedicated to transporting fans, including more than 700 fully electric buses that operate with zero carbon emissions.[30]

Driver demographics

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References

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  1. ^ Newspaper, The Peninsula (2014-05-20). "Karwa taxi service to be privatised". thepeninsulaqatar.com. Retrieved 2024-12-20.
  2. ^ Riaaz, Ahmed. "Karwa Taxi And Doha Limousine".
  3. ^ "Contact Us – Mowasalat Website". www.mowasalat.com. Archived from the original on 2024-06-02. Retrieved 2024-12-20.
  4. ^ Eltayeb, Mohamed (2024-07-14). "Legal action to be taken against unlicensed taxi companies in Qatar". Doha News | Qatar. Retrieved 2024-12-20.
  5. ^ Walker, Lesley (2014-05-20). "Transport minister: Karwa taxi service to be entirely privatized". Doha News | Qatar. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  6. ^ "Transportation::: AL MILLION SERVICES TRAD. & CONT. CO. :::". www.al-million.biz. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  7. ^ a b Newspaper, The Peninsula (2014-03-03). "Al Ijarah, Al Million allowed to operate 350 new taxis". thepeninsulaqatar.com. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  8. ^ Home > (2018-07-01). "ALIJARAH HOLDING ANNOUNCES THE MODIFY THE CONCESSION CONTRACT KARWA BY REDUCING THE NUMBER OF TAXIS". Alijarah Holding. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  9. ^ Walker, Lesley (2014-05-20). "Transport minister: Karwa taxi service to be entirely privatized". Doha News | Qatar. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  10. ^ Walker, Lesley (2014-09-24). "Yellow-roofed Profit taxis to start taking customers this week". Doha News | Qatar. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  11. ^ "Two more franchisees to operate Karwa taxis". Gulf Times. 2014-01-30. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  12. ^ Newspaper, The Peninsula (2016-01-24). "Mowasalat launches Karwa taxi app; plans to increase number of taxis to 7,000". thepeninsulaqatar.com. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  13. ^ "Ibin Ajayan Trading Group - Exclusive Dealer of SKODA, SEAT, IVECO, Ashok Leyland, PM cranes." Ibin Ajayan Trading Group. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  14. ^ "IN BRIEF". Gulf Times. 2014-06-09. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  15. ^ Newspaper, The Peninsula (2014-06-09). "New firm to run 300 taxis". thepeninsulaqatar.com. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  16. ^ Tribune, Qatar; webmaster (2019-01-09). "Karwa adds 40 new cars to its luxury limousine fleet". Qatar Tribune. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
  17. ^ Wright, Charlotte (2024-08-31). "Mowasalat (Karwa) Adds Tesla to Doha Limousine Airport Fleet". Marhaba Qatar. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
  18. ^ "مواصلات Mowasalat (Karwa), Doha – bus Schedules, Routes & Updates". moovitapp.com. 2024-11-12. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  19. ^ "First Bus place landmark Yutong Electric bus order from Pelican Bus and Coach_Yutong news_Qatar-YUTONG". www.yutong.qa. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  20. ^ Staff, Editorial (2020-11-30). "Yutong got the largest EV bus order ever: 741 units for FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar". Sustainable Bus. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  21. ^ "Qatar orders 741 electric buses from Yutong - electrive.com". www.electrive.com. 2020-12-01. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  22. ^ "Largest parade of Karwa buses". www.vercalendario.info. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  23. ^ "QNA | Miscellaneous | Mowasalat Enters the Guinness World Records". 2011-07-21. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  24. ^ "Largest electric bus depot | Guinness World Records". 2024-12-22. Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  25. ^ Newspaper, The Peninsula (2024-07-13). "Legal action to be taken against unlicensed taxi companies: Transport Ministry". thepeninsulaqatar.com. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  26. ^ Newspaper, The Peninsula (2024-07-13). "Legal action to be taken against unlicensed taxi companies: Transport Ministry". thepeninsulaqatar.com. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  27. ^ Turqueza, Lalaine (2020-02-02). "Vintage Cars on Exhibit at the National Museum of Qatar". Marhaba Qatar. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  28. ^ "Transport in Qatar", Wikipedia, 2024-11-10, retrieved 2024-12-22
  29. ^ "Qatar to have all-electric bus fleet by 2030". Fast Company Middle East | The future of tech, business and innovation. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  30. ^ "Delivery of Qatar's Electric Bus Fleet for FIFA World Cup 2022 Completed | Ministry of Transport". www.mot.gov.qa. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
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