Mowasalat (Karwa) confirmed its readiness to operate public and school bus transport services with the beginning of the fourth phase of the gradual lifting of precautionary measures to fight the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Mowasalat Chairman, HE Dr Engineer Saad bin Ahmed Al Mohannadi, said they are confident in their capabilities to resume their services following the timing set by the state, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC), and other concerned authorities.
Mowasalat has all the capabilities and expertise to provide safe transportation, taking into account passenger safety and adherence to precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of the virus in accordance with the recommendations, conditions and health regulations of the Ministry of Public Health and the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management.
Mowasalat also provides the highest precautionary and safety measures in school buses this week, with the beginning of the new school year, through implementation of procedures that are put in place to ensure the safety of students, which is a top priority.
Mowasalat has been implementing preventive measures following the MOTC mandate, to ensure safe transportation for passengers, including complete daily sanitisation of public transport buses, COVID-19 tests for all drivers and daily temperature screening to ensure their good health.
In addition, Mowasalat drivers are also required wear face masks during trips. Public bus services will be resumed with 30% capacity, to follow social distancing requirements. All passengers are also required to wear face masks, get their temperature screened inside buses and at major bus stations, and ensure they have an operating ‘Ehteraz’ app before boarding the bus.
Unaccompanied children under the age of 12 are not allowed to ride the bus, nor people with medical conditions or chronic illness, for their own safety.
School Bus Safety
Mowasalat has prepared at least 2,400 school buses to transport students this new school year, with full implementation of precautionary and preventive measures, including daily sterilisation of buses, temperature screening for students who are all also required to wear face masks.
Mowasalat also provides awareness leaflets and videos for students and their families, with full adherence to social distancing while seated, with assistance from school supervisor.
Mowasalat has also provided all technological solutions, which will help in booking and electronic payment processes. They provide real-time updated information on daily routes of buses, and facilitate taxi booking through Karwa Taxi app and Karwa Bus app, available for Android and IOS.
