Muscat
The Muscat Municipal Council reviewed today the strategic plan for the development of public bus transportation for the period from 2015 to 2040. Through this plan, “Mwasalat” aims to provide a public transportation system characterized by safety and accessibility, in order to reduce reliance on cars and enhance economic development.
This took place during the council’s second meeting of the year, chaired by His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat and Chairman of the Municipal Council, with the attendance of the esteemed Mayor of Muscat, along with several specialists from the municipality and Mwasalat.
Regarding the phases of the plan, the first phase took place from 2015 to 2018 and involved activating public transportation using buses on main routes connected to secondary routes, organizing taxi operations, and improving infrastructure and walkways for the main routes.
The second phase, which began in 2019 and extends to the current year, focuses on continuing the development of public bus transportation, introducing more secondary routes, establishing rapid bus lines, and providing new bus and public transport stations.
As for the third phase, which is set to begin in 2026 and continue until 2040, it is expected, according to the presentation, to include the operation of a metro or light rail system and the use of water taxis for public transportation.
Additionally, the Muscat Municipality presented the rugged bike path project and the establishment of kiosks for street vendors in the Ansab area of Bousher, as well as a healthy walkway project for pedestrians and cyclists in the Daghmar area of Quriyat.
Municipality specialists emphasized that such projects aim to provide a safe and comfortable environment for walking and cycling, which promotes a healthy lifestyle and contributes to reducing environmental pollution by encouraging the use of non-polluting transportation methods. They also enhance environmental sustainability through tree planting and the provision of green spaces, in addition to contributing to the stimulation of local economic activity.
During the meeting, the minutes of the previous meeting were approved, and the recommendations of the Health and Environmental Affairs Committee regarding water quality and the safety of service networks were reviewed. The council also examined the second half report of the Municipal Council’s activities for the year 2024.
