doha • Mowasalat is planning to introduce more taxis and buses in the near future to serve the fast-growing population in the country. The move is expected to address the severe shortage of cabs in the city and help the bus service expand to new regions.

“We are conducting a detailed study to assess the transport requirements in different areas to further expand our fleet of taxis and buses,” Mowasalat's business development manager Ahmed Al Ansari said at a news conference yesterday. He, however, didn't give any time-frame for adding more taxis and buses.

“People and the media are putting all the blame on us for any delays in taxis and bus services. Many things are beyond our control. The media should also turn its attention to the other parties responsible for the problem,” said Al Ansari. He said 23 bus shelters have already been set up across the city. Another seven shelters will be ready by June 21. “By the end of August, a total of 100 shelters would be completed, if everything goes well,” said Al Ansari. The company is also studying a proposal to establish air-conditioned bus shelters in select areas.