- DOHA (AFP) - The gas-rich
Gulf state of Qatar on Thursday launched a public transport project that
will use electric buses and taxis in a bid to cut air pollution.
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- The battery-powered vehicles are being built by a China-based
developer for Mowasalat, Qatar's public transport operator, and will enter
service soon, the organisation's business development manager Ahmad al-Ansari
said.
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- "The developer is working now on technical issues
such as increasing the speed of the vehicle, extending the battery range
and reducing the mass of the vehicle," he told AFP.
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- The vehicles will have their batteries recharged in the
company's depot during the first phase of the scheme until charging stations
are set up around the capital Doha, he said.
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- "We endeavour to develop technology with the aim
of providing services that will bring environmental and economic benefits,"
Mowasalat chairman Jassem al-Sulaiti said at a news conference to announce
the project.
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- Mowasalat will also have the patent for the new product
and will market it worldwide, he added.
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- The government-owned transport network recently inaugurated
a taxi service using cars powered by liquefied natural gas which Qatar
has abundant amounts of -- 15 percent of the world's proven reserves
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