International
New Swedish CNG buses will hit Qatari streets before 2022 FIFA Cup
A large fleet of world-class CNG luxury buses manufactured by Swedish firm Scania is expected to hit Qatari roads much ahead of the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, according to Ambassador of Sweden to Qatar, Ewa Polano. Qatar announced last year its plans to replace the existing public transport diesel buses as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and preparations for the mega event in line with the long-term vision.
“We hope to supply the fleet of buses that Qatar is looking forward to acquire. We have very good buses manufactured by Scania and Volvo. The Scania buses are known for their luxury and high quality. These state-of-the-art environment friendly buses are expected to arrive in Qatar by early 2021 latest,” said Polano.
“We are trying to present what Qatar needs at the moment that is Scania gas-powered buses. We also are very much involved in Qatar’s transformation with regard to economic diversification. So we are trying to boost the economic cooperation between different entities, and we are very happy to see the growing cooperation between Arab Agencies Company (ARACO) with Volvo, Scania and others,” she added.
Polano also commented: “There is an express need from the highest level in Qatar, including the Minister of State for Energy Affairs H E Al Kaabi, who is so conscious about the environment and sustainability. Since Qatar has huge reserves of natural gas, therefore, it’s logical to have all the buses run on natural gas. We have the best technology in our buses and now we are developing for gas.”
On developing needful infrastructure in Qatar such as CNG refueling stations, Walid Dowidar, General Manager at ARACO, said that there are many partners involved in this project that are working in close cooperation with Qatari authorities and stakeholders, and ARACO is one of them.