Monday 29 / June / 2026
Muscat: The Services and Public Utilities Committee of the Shura Council hosted Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Nadabi, Chief Executive Officer of the National Transport Company of Oman (Mwasalat), as part of its study on reducing traffic congestion in Muscat Governorate through the development of a sustainable urban transport system.
The meeting, chaired by Dr. Hamoud Ahmed Al Yahyai, reviewed the progress of the Public Transport Strategy 2040 and the implementation of the Bus Transport Strategic Plan (2015–2040), along with the master plan for public transport stations across the Sultanate of Oman.
Al Nadabi outlined Mwasalat's expansion plans to strengthen connectivity between the wilayats and governorates of Muscat and reduce traffic congestion. He also reviewed the destinations currently served by the company's public transport network.
The committee was informed that Mwasalat has transported more than 74 million passengers since 2015. The network currently includes 930 bus stops on city routes and 450 stops on intercity routes.
The presentation also compared the strategic plan's targets with achievements made during the short- and medium-term implementation phases for urban, intercity and international bus services.
Al Nadabi highlighted several projects being coordinated with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology to improve traffic flow and enhance public transport services. He also outlined smart initiatives aimed at increasing operational efficiency, promoting environmental sustainability and encouraging greater use of public transport instead of private vehicles.
The meeting reviewed operational challenges facing the company, including delays in implementing dedicated bus and emergency lanes, the absence of bus signal priority at traffic intersections, the need to redesign traffic signals and provide bus bays, and the misuse of bus stops by private vehicles.
Committee members stressed the importance of improving public transport services, developing future transport stations as integrated mobility hubs, strengthening public awareness campaigns, and enhancing coordination among relevant authorities to deliver sustainable solutions to Muscat's traffic congestion.
The committee noted that it has held a series of consultations with relevant stakeholders and will continue its study to formulate practical recommendations aimed at improving public transport services and easing congestion across Muscat Governorate.
