News World 24

MTM Transit to begin operating SAMTD's Cherriots services

MTM Transit is pleased to announce that it is expanding its presence in the Salem, Oregon, area under a new contract with the Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD). SAMTD runs a comprehensive public transit system called Cherriots that serves the Salem-Keizer community. Since 2015, MTM Transit has functioned as SAMTD's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligibility assessments contractor, and has also served as the District's call center contractor since 2016. Now, following a competitive bidding process, MTM Transit is expanding with SAMTD even further through a new contract inclusive of call center and transportation services. 

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, MTM Transit will begin operating three transportation services for the District: 

• Cherriots LIFT, an ADA paratransit service that provides a demand-responsive transportation option for people with disabilities who are unable to access the fixed route for all or some of their trips
• Cherriots Regional Service, a system that serves 17 communities in rural Marion and Polk counties through five express routes and one flex route
• Cherriots Shop and Ride, a shuttle that helps older adults and people with disabilities access grocery stores and shopping centers in the Salem-Keizer area

MTM Transit will operate a unified mobility management program for the District—an approach that will allow the company to further align its shared values, culture, and strengths with the Salem community. 

"Since beginning our relationship with SAMTD more than seven years ago, MTM Transit has been committed to providing a world-class customer experience—and we are excited to continue meeting that goal and exceeding expectations under this newly expanded program," said MTM Transit's Regional Vice President Scott Transue. 

MTM Transit's Chief Operating Officer Brian Balogh added, "SAMTD is an incredibly valued partner to MTM Transit. With this one-stop-shop approach to mobility management, we look forward to providing a world-class experience for customers at every touch point: from when they complete the ADA eligibility process, to when they call to schedule a trip, to when they board a Cherriots vehicle."

The new contract has a base term of five years plus two one-year options. MTM Transit anticipates providing approximately 148,800 Cherriots LIFT trips annually, as well as an additional 70,000 trips through the Regional Service and Shop and Ride shuttle. MTM Transit's team of 70-plus Cherriots-dedicated employees will guide the District as the organizations work together to enhance transportation services for residents in the Salem-Keizer Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). Planned enhancements to the system under MTM Transit include supporting a software transition and upgrade, solving for facility/park-out spaces and security, and evolving to add new services in the future, such as microtransit.

MTM is the nation's most trusted and qualified partner for healthcare, transportation, and logistics solutions. In 2009, MTM's leadership established MTM Transit, an affiliate that provides direct paratransit and fixed-route transit services. MTM and MTM Transit are privately held, woman-owned business enterprises.

Qatar Tourism

Qatar Tourism reveals a menu of top international restaurants, cafés and cuisines for football fans and visitors to Qatar looking to indulge in a taste of home. For the thousands travelling to Doha for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something to suit all palates as visitors will have the choice of over 3,000 food and beverage outlets in Qatar.

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: "From fine dining to street food, Qatar offers a diverse range of cuisines from all over the world. We have an abundance of international restaurants to cater to all tastes and cultures, but I would really encourage fans to sample the delicious local Qatari dishes while they are here."

In advance of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar Tourism has compiled a list of restaurants and cafés in Doha featuring cuisines from each of the countries competing in the tournament.

Group A - Qatar | Ecuador | Senegal | Netherlands

Qatar

Curious fans can try a taste of the home nation by breakfasting at Shay Al Shomous at Souq Waqif, famous for its charismatic owner Shams Al Qassabi. Gahwetna in The Pearl-Qatar serves authentic local delicacies, such as moshakshaka and zaatar. For extravagance, look no further than Jiwan at the National Museum of Qatar. Jiwan, the Qatari word for the perfect pearl, is spearheaded by Alain Ducasse and takes diners on a contemporary journey of Qatari cuisine. At Saasna, in Msheireb, creative Qatari chefs prepare local classics such as baddawi, saloona meat and saffron cake. 

Ecuador

Fans with a sweet tooth should stop by Chocolataria Equador for some of the best chocolate treats in town. The speciality shop monitors the origin of its own cocoa beans to ensure fair trade and delivery of only the highest quality products. 

Senegal

A slice of Senegal can be found in the heart of Doha at Sabali. The restaurant sits in the city's Tornado Tower and serves a variety of delicious Senegalese dishes, along with refreshing bissap juice. 

Netherlands

Hungry visitors from Holland will find mini Dutch pancakes from Poffertjes are a popular street food option at pop-up stalls across the city. 

Group B - England | Iran | USA | Wales

England 

British fans should stop by The Red Lion Doha for a traditional pub-like atmosphere; with lots of screens, it's a great place to watch the matches. Harrods Tea Rooms Doha offers a more refined experience, deeply rooted in the traditions of London's most famous department store. 

Iran

Parisa, in Souq Waqif, is the ideal place to sample much-loved Iranian-speciality dishes. The walls of this palatial restaurant are covered in colourful tiles and mirrors, an authentic setting for the delicious 'home recipes' prepared by Chef Ali Reza. 

USA

American food lovers are spoilt for choice with a range of top BBQ, diner and burger joints to visit. Boston's, Ted's American Diners, Applebee's, Public House Doha, The Cheesecake Factory, Santa Monica Breakfast Club, New York Steakhouse… the list goes on and on.

Wales

Delicious Welsh lamb - the country's most iconic food export ­- is served in hotels and restaurants throughout the country. Fans should visit one of Qatar's many steakhouses, such as STK Doha, for their excellent lamb shanks. 

Group C - Argentina | Saudi Arabia | Mexico | Poland

Argentina

Visitors will find a quaint restaurant called La Boca in the heart of Souq Waqif, which specialises in Argentinian cuisine. And bringing Doha diners a taste of Latin America is Fuego - meaning fire - which focuses on authentic flavoursome ingredients. 

Saudi Arabia

Healthy Saudi dishes are now on offer at Qatar's new Koozi restaurant, which only just opened in September 2022. All the dishes, such as madghut chicken, okra, and molokhia, offer excellent value for money, from just 3 USD.

Mexico

Head to Lusail Food Arena for a taste of Mexican street food. The burritos and tacos of Abocado are dished up from inside a giant, yellow, converted school bus. Isla Mexican Kitchen, La Bodega Negra, El Cedro Lounge and Maya make up some more of Qatar's many Mexican options.

Poland

Budget-friendly plates of Polish cuisine are served at Polka in Madinat Khalifa, where the dishes are as Instagrammable as they are delicious. Try Polish dumplings and homemade apple juice, 'kompot', alongside tasty plates such as Grandma Kristina's Veggie Salad.

Group D - France | Australia | Denmark | Tunisia

France

Loleya Patisserie by Chef Aziz, located within the recently opened Le Royal Méridien Doha, offers classic French pastries, unique cakes and sweets, which are complemented by iconic Arab signature desserts. La Maison Martinez offers traditional dishes including French toast, côte de bœuf baguette and croque truffles.

Australia

Visitors seeking a dish from Down Under should look no further than The Coffee Club for a classic Aussie brunch accompanied by a flat white, or the Outback Steakhouse for its take on the Australian barbeque.

Denmark

Competing with French cuisine for the most delectable pastries, the mini cream cheese Danish pastries from Pinna Bakery & Café cannot be missed. 

Tunisia

For fresh, tasty and authentic Tunisian cuisine, visit Sidi Bou Said Restaurant - be sure to try the couscous platter. 

Group E - Spain | Costa Rica | Germany | Japan

Spain

Fans with a taste for tapas should visit The Cellar in the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, or El Faro inside Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha. Both offer lively settings and a vibrant atmosphere, with traditional recipes from across the Iberian Peninsula.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica's renowned high-quality coffee beans can be found in many of Qatar's top cafés, such as Vulcan Coffee Roastery in downtown Doha. 

Germany

German and Arabian hospitality are united at Steigenberger Hotel Doha, which features a variety of cafés and restaurants with Germanic roots. Crust serves up typical German bread and pastry specialities, and "Genuss" Speciality Restaurant offers contemporary European cuisine with a German twist. 

Japan

Many of Qatar's Japanese restaurants represent the crème de la crème of international cuisine on offer in the country. The world's largest Nobu is located in the Four Seasons Hotel Doha and sits on its own private island. Morimoto features excellent steak and sushi from the famous Iron Chef and Sora offers spectacular sunset views of Doha's skyline on the 21^st floor of the Park Hyatt Doha. For something more budget-friendly, Ninja Ramen Qatar serves authentic noodles imported from Japan. 

Group F - Belgium | Canada | Morocco | Croatia

Belgium

European cuisine and the best of Belgian beverages can be found at the Belgian Café Doha. Housed within InterContinental Doha, the popular venue attracts the crowds for its extensive outdoor terrace offering views over the Arabian Gulf. 

Canada

Arguably the best doughnuts in Doha can be found at Canadian fast-food chain Tim Hortons, which has branches in the capital's top shopping malls. First-timers should sample a mini-Timbit, the chain's popular powdered cake ball. 

Morocco

Must-try Moroccan spots in Qatar include Argan Moroccan Cuisine with its famous harira soup, Marrakech Restaurant, which features extravagant interiors, and Tajeen Restaurant, which is tucked away in bustling Souq Waqif.

Croatia

Guests lucky enough to be staying on the Golden Horizon - the largest square-rigged cruise ship in the world - during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ can expect a Croatian cultural feast on board, including Balkan-inspired delicacies. 

Group G - Brazil | Serbia | Switzerland | Cameroon

Brazil

Ipanema Doha, at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, offers Brazil's popular churrascaria concept: large chunks of slow-cooked meat are presented on sword-style skewers and carved table-side by passadores. A traditional Brazilian experience, this restaurant features live music from a trio band each evening from Monday to Saturday.

Serbia

The Middle Eastern equivalent of sarma, one of the most popular Serbian dishes, involves stuffing vine leaves rather than cabbage. It is a popular meze option across Qatar's regional restaurants, such as Sukar Pasha in Katara, where ancient culinary traditions are preserved in a contemporary setting.

Switzerland

The Suisse Chalet Restaurant & Café offers Alpine delights to its visitors in the colourful Qanat Quartier district of The Pearl-Qatar, while the Swiss-Café at Swiss-Belinn Doha offers international dishes for those who like to mix it up.

Cameroon

Visitors will find dishes similar to Cameroonian staples, such as brochettes, in the many pan-African and even Arabic restaurants across the country. Great value BBQ meats are on offer at Kebabbq, Lamazani Grill and Shujaa Restaurant in Souq Waqif, where a chicken skewer starts from as little as 1 USD.

Group H - Portugal | Ghana | Uruguay | South Korea

Portugal

In central Doha, LÁZARO'S serves genuine Portuguese dishes, or try Santa Nata, in Msheireb Downtown, famous for its authentic pastel de natas. 

Ghana

Ghanian favourite Jollof rice, a dish of prepared with tomato sauce, spices and rice, can be found at popular local hotspot Mama's Place, which dishes up generous portions and aims to create the atmosphere of a home away from home.

Uruguay

Those looking for food typical of Uruguay, such as empanadas, should visit The Empanada House Doha for delicious flaky pastries, or Toro Toro which celebrates the vibrant flavours and convivial dining culture of South America.

South Korea

Enjoy traditional Korean BBQ, grilled at the table, at one of Qatar's two Maru Korean BBQ Restaurants - located in Qanat Quartier and West Bay. Complete with authentic Korean interiors, the menu features noodles and grilled BBQ meats.

For more on Qatar's delicious mix of culinary choices, visit: https://www.visitqatar.qa/intl-en/things-to-do/food-drink 

-Ends-

For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism's Press Office on:

+974 7774 7863 | [email protected]

About Qatar: 

Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East, with 80% of the earth's population within a six-hour flight. Ranked the safest country in the world in 2022 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 95 countries can enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to high-rise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to world-famous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets. Travellers set to transit through Qatar should turn one holiday into two with the world's best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

About Qatar Tourism: 

Qatar Tourism is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Qatar, facilitating the sector's exponential growth. Qatar is a destination where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in arts, culture, sports, and adventure, catering to family and business visitors, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, grow local and international visitor demand, attract inward investment, and drive a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest-growing destination in the Middle East. 

Web: www.visitqatar.com

Twitter: @VisitQatar

Instagram: @VisitQatar