Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has invited firms to bid by 30 November for the design and consultancy services for its planned mixed-use, transit-oriented development (TOD) real estate projects in Doha.

Some 12 sites either above or adjacent to several Doha Metro stations have been identified as potential locations for these TOD projects.

The scope of the tender includes development of masterplans, detailed designs, construction contracts and the procurement of contractors and construction management services for each of the 12 sites.

TOD is a concept intended to maximise the areas surrounding transport hubs, with an aim of increasing usage of the nearby trains, metros and buses.

TOD projects are also seen as a vital component of smart and sustainable transport and city schemes, by helping reduce reliance on private cars, reduce fossil fuel carbon emissions, and improve quality of life by easing daily travel or commute times.

The TOD concept has taken off in densely populated cities in Asia, Europe and North America, particularly in Hong Kong, where non-fare revenues account for more than half of the the rail operator revenues. The concept, however, is still in its infancy in the GCC.

The Union Oasis mixed-use project, which is to be built above the underground station where the Dubai Metro Red and Green lines meet, is a pioneering TOD project in the region. It is also the first real estate development that will be procured by Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis.