WATCH: Just how long are you spending in road traffic?
Traffic is a known scourge in Qatar. In 2016 alone, traffic jams cost the country between QR5.6 and 6.6 Billion. That’s around 0.9 to 1 percent of the GDP that year!
According to a 2016 report by Qatar Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC), the situation in the second half of the year was more favourable as several road projects by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) reached completion.
An average of 4.5 days was spent on the roads by commuters last year due to heavy traffic congestion. That’s around 109 hours, an increase from the 102 hours reported for 2015.
Although the stats are somewhat jarring, Traffic Department chief Brig. Mohammed Saad Al Kharji took on a reassuring tone.
“The study is shocking for sure, but I believe the real figures will come when all roads are opened, railway projects commenced and public transport expanded.”
He asked for patience, comparing the process to that of a patient’s healing. He compared the work on developing roads and trains to a surgery, and the time it takes to the recovery time of a patient following an operation.
The QMIC report came after a study that analysed major road segments in Qatar through more than 1.4 billion data records collected by the Masarak advanced traveler info system.
PC: Gulf Times
