Aimed to first enhance connectivity between key areas during the 2022 World Cup, the tram network is now rapidly becoming a part of the city's transportation network. The tram network consists of two lines and with another two being planned. The first preview of its first phase was on 1 January 2022, with the preview of the Orange Line, which had six original underground air-conditioned stations with future expansions planned to be gradually opened to the public. The light rail network will feature 10.4 km of underground tracks and 22.7 km of surface and elevated tracks, including a 0.5 km section between two high-rise buildings. It will consist of approximately 8 km of single track and 25 km of double track, with 37 new passenger stations.[5][6]
Lusail Tram will also be connected to the Doha Metro, a rapid transit operator in the Doha region in the future. Lusail Metro, which is a station on Doha's red line, is set to be connected to the future purple line of the system, while Leqtaifiya Metro, is already connected to Leqtaifya station of the pink and orange lines, which opened on 8 April 2024. Existing Doha Metro Travel Cards will allow passengers to seamlessly connect between the tram network and Doha Metro.[7]
The Lusail Tram will be operated and maintained for a duration of 20 years by RKH Qitarat, a joint venture formed by Hamad Group (51%) and French transit operators Keolis and RATP Dev (49%), on behalf of system owner Qatar Rail.[3][8] It uses a fleet of 35 Alstom Citadis trams.[9][10]
History
Construction of the Lusail Tram began with the design phase in August 2007. The first phase, featuring a six-station stretch of the Orange Line, opened to the public on January 1, 2022. The network now includes 25 stations across four lines: Orange, Pink, Turquoise, and Purple. Currently, the Orange and Pink Lines are operational, while the Turquoise and Purple Lines are still being planned and under construction.[11]
The Lusail tramway project is being developed by QDVC, a joint venture between Qatari Diar (51%) and Vinci Construction Grands Projets (49%). The contract for this project was awarded in August 2011 and officially signed on June 23, 2014, in Paris, with notable attendees including French President François Hollande, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Patrick Kron, Chairman and CEO of Alstom.[12][13]
By January 2018, Qatar Rail announced that the project was 71% complete, with the first train having left the factory. The tramway was slated for commissioning in 2020.[14]
Rolling stock
The Lusail tram will be equipped with 35 Citadis 305 trainsets assembled by Alstom at its plants in Aytré, near La Rochelle, France, and Barcelona, Spain. The trains will be 32 metres long, have APS equipment and have a capacity of 207 passengers.[15]
The design of the oars, whose front side resembles the bow of a ship, is inspired by the dhows of ships originating in the region. The interior design is made up of the architectural elements of the region, with touches of yellow that are reminiscent of the Lusail flower.[16]
Station Designs
Lusail tram stations draw their design inspiration from Qatar’s rich heritage. According to the official metro station account, the interiors of these stations are deeply influenced by local Qatari traditions and historical legacy.
Intricate patterns were derived from gypsum engravings used in local houses, majlis and palaces. Also, textures of clay used in historical fortresses, towers, souqs were reflected on walls and floors of the stations while vintage geometrical ornaments accentuated the overall space.
The design also features elements of ‘Al Mehmel’, a traditional Qatardhow used for pearl fishing. Interiors of the carriages will include vintage elements to resonate with the overall aesthetic.[17]
Using the tram requires a travel card, which is a rechargeable plastic card available for 10 Qatari riyal (QR). This card can be purchased on every station of the system and can also be used on the Doha Metro.
The fare for the Lusail Tram is 2 QR for a single journey. 6 QR day passes that allows unlimited journeys on both the Lusail Tram and the Doha Metro are also available. [18]
Timing
Regular Timing
Lusail Tram operates daily, following Doha Metro's timetable. From Saturday to Wednesday, it runs from 5:30 AM to midnight. On Thursdays, the service extends until 1:00 AM, and on Fridays, it operates from 2:00 PM to 1:00 AM.[19]
Ramadan Timing
Beginning on the first day of Ramadan, the service hours for the Lusail Tram and Doha Metro will be extended. Qatar Rail will operate the metro and tram from 6 am on Saturdays to 1 am on Thursdays. On Fridays, the service will start at 2 pm and continue until 1 am.[20]
Lines and stations
Orange Line
The Orange Line, which partially opened on 1 January 2022, shares tracks with the Pink Line from Legtaifiya, which is also a station on the Doha Metro, to Tarfat - South before branching west. At Naifa, it begins a unidirectional, counterclockwise loop, sharing tracks with the future Turquoise Line, before returning to Naifa and back to Legtaifiya.[21] On 8 April 2024, the remainder of the Orange Line was opened, which consisted of the loop around the city.[22][1] The Orange Line has the following stations:
The Pink Line, which opened on 8 April 2024,[1] shares the tracks with the Orange Line from Legtaifiya, (which offers transfers to the Doha Metro), to Tarfat - South heading straight towards Seef Lusail - North. The first phase includes 10 stations with more planned.[26][27][28]
Metroexpress, owned by Qatar Rail, is a complementary ride-sharing feeder service that connects specific service tram stations in Lusail and the broader Doha region. The service uses a fleet of branded vans with a seating capacity of 7 passengers per vehicle. Metroexpress in Lusail services many tram stations, some may include:[30]
The Purple Line is an under construction east-west line that will go through the city center. Starting at Lusail Station, which is also connected to Doha Metro, the line will head east towards Seef Lusail South.[31] The Purple Line will have the following stations:
The Turquoise Line is a under construction clockwise loop around parts of the city's central district. The line starts at Rawdat Lusail before heading clockwise to the station again, passing locations such as Lusail Stadium.[32]The Turquoise Line will have the following stations:
