Muscat – Chaired by His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and attended by representatives from Oman National Transport Company (Mwasalat) and Muscat Municipality, the meeting focused on reviewing upcoming projects aimed at improving public transportation and urban sustainability in the Governorate of Muscat.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the presentation by Mwasalat, which provided an overview of its strategic plan for developing public transportation from 2015 to 2040.
The plan, presented by Eng. Badr bin Mohammed Al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat, is divided into three phases:

• Phase 1 (2015-2018): This initial phase focused on activating bus services on major routes linked to secondary lines, improving taxi services, and enhancing infrastructure and pedestrian pathways along key routes.
• Phase 2 (2019-Present): The ongoing phase is dedicated to expanding public bus services, creating additional branch lines, and launching rapid bus lines and new public transportation stations.
• Phase 3 (2026-2040): The final phase will see the introduction of metro or light rail systems, along with the introduction of water taxis as part of the integrated public transport network.
Eng. Badr Al Nadabi also outlined the company’s comprehensive transportation strategy, which includes five major areas: public transportation organization and legislation, the bus transport system, urban transportation services, marine passenger transport, and rail systems. He also highlighted the current fleet, which includes 6 ferries, 320 minibuses, 116 city buses, and 49 large buses.
Mwasalat’s ambitious targets for 2040 include:
• Achieving one million daily public transport passengers.
• Reaching net-zero emissions.
• Allocating 25 percent of main roads to public transport routes.
• Increasing pedestrian areas to 40 percent of street space.
• Reducing traffic accident rates.
Challenges were also discussed, including delays in the main public transport station project, the dedicated bus lane project, and traffic light prioritization.
Muscat Municipality presented plans for two significant recreational projects:
• Al Ansab bicycle path and street vendor kiosk project will feature a rugged bicycle path, shaded seating areas, children’s play areas, exercise equipment, and dedicated spaces for street vendors, all designed with accessibility for people with special needs.
• Daghmar healthy walkway and bicycle path in Quriyat will include walking and cycling paths, rest areas, service facilities, and a games area. The first kilometer of the walkway has been completed, with the remaining phases to follow.

These projects aim to promote healthy lifestyles, reduce pollution, and enhance environmental sustainability while stimulating local economic activity.

The Municipal Council also reviewed and approved meeting minutes and reports, and discussed water quality and safety. These combined efforts highlight Muscat’s commitment to improving infrastructure, promoting sustainable transportation, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.