23-02-2025
Mwasalat unveils ambitious public transport development strategy
Muscat – Oman National Transport Company (Mwasalat) has announced a comprehensive plan to overhaul the public transport system with the goal of starting work on both the Muscat Metro and water taxi projects by 2026.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity and promote sustainable transport solutions in Muscat, transforming the city's transportation landscape.
At the second meeting of the year, Municipal Council of Muscat Governorate, chaired by Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, discussed the future of public transport in the capital.
Mwasalat provided an overview of its strategic plan for developing the public transport system, which covers the period from 2015 to 2040. The company aims to create a safe and accessible network, reduce reliance on private cars and support economic growth.
Badr bin Mohammed al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat, outlined five key pillars of the plan – public transport legislation, bus transport system, urban transport services, passenger marine transport and railway systems.
He explained that the first phase of the plan, which ran from 2015 to 2018, focused on establishing public bus routes, improving taxi operations and enhancing infrastructure. The second phase, ongoing since 2019, involves expanding bus services, creating new routes and constructing additional bus stations.
Looking ahead, the third phase, from 2026 to 2040, will see the potential launch of Muscat Metro or light rail system, alongside introduction of water taxis for public transport.
Mwasalat's fleet currently includes six ferries, 320 minibuses and 165 large buses. The company has set ambitious targets, including reaching 1mn daily passengers by 2040, achieving carbon neutrality and dedicating 25% of Muscat's main roads to public transport routes.
Nadabi also addressed challenges facing the plan, including delays in developing Muscat's main public transport station, setbacks in allocating dedicated lanes for buses, and issues related to traffic signal prioritisation and infrastructure.
Additionally, Muscat Municipality unveiled two key projects aimed at improving urban mobility. The first is a bicycle path in the Al Ansab area of Bausher, which will include shaded seating, children's play areas and facilities for people with special needs. The second project is a walkway in Daghmar, Quriyat designed for pedestrians and cyclists. The walkway will feature rest areas, public toilets, bicycle parking and space for mobile vendors.
