Comprehensive vision

Engineer Haitham Al-Zadjali explained that the ministry aims to build an integrated and sustainable transport network that supports the goals of "Oman Vision 2040" by improving connectivity between governorates and enhancing the efficiency of transport infrastructure in all its forms (buses, roads, ports, and future railways), as well as supporting digital transformation and innovation in services.

Regarding how to achieve integration between busses, trains, and maritime transport, Al-Zadjali said that the ministry's approach relies on a unified planning vision that ensures smooth movement between various modes of transport. This includes several axes: integrated spatial planning that connects land stations with ports and exchange centers, national and regional railroad projects (such as the Oman-GCC railroad project) to link cities and vital areas, and the establishment of intermodal hubs that facilitate easy movement between busses, ferries, and trains, along with logistical facilities and supporting parking. Additionally, a unified digital ticketing system is being developed to facilitate seamless transitions between different modes of transport.

Governorates projects

As for the most prominent ongoing or planned projects to enhance public transportation outside the Muscat Governorate, the Director of the Land Transport Department at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology indicated that the ministry is working on implementing a package of projects targeting the governorates outside the capital Muscat. Among the most notable are: the development of bus stations and interchange centers in governorates such as North Al Batinah, including an agreement to develop a comprehensive station in Wilayat Sohar near the proposed railroad station, and the expansion of infrastructure in regional ports to enhance maritime transport services and commercial connectivity. Additionally, there are national railroad infrastructure projects passing thru several governorates, and the expansion of regional bus networks in collaboration with government operators and the private sector to provide safe and comfortable transport services for the community.

Digital transformation

Al-Zadjali added that the ministry is working within the national direction toward sustainability to implement several practical steps, including: converting part of the government fleets to electric vehicles according to specific goals, launching national initiatives and green service companies to accelerate the introduction of electric vehicles and provide charging stations, implementing pilot projects for electric busses in several areas to study performance, cost, and necessary infrastructure, and preparing an encouraging legislative and financial environment thru incentives and partnerships between the public and private sectors, which supports the transition to sustainable transport.

He also added that digital technologies contribute to improving the travel experience and service quality by: facilitating trip planning using live maps and arrival predictions, purchasing tickets electronically, using unified tickets across various modes of transport, tracking vehicles in real-time, and making payments thru secure digital systems.

Among the practical examples within the Sultanate: the Transport app and smart taxi service applications, which have reduced waiting times and improved the efficiency of connecting different modes of transport. The ministry is also working on unified government digital gateways to integrate services and enhance digital transformation in transportation.

Al-Zadjali confirmed that the government adopts the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to implement, finance, and operate transport and infrastructure projects. Packages of PPP projects in the transport and logistics sectors have been announced within a supportive legal and institutional framework for these partnerships. The ministry also seeks to attract investments and international expertise to accelerate development and achieve the highest standards of efficiency.

He also confirmed that the ministry places great importance on raising awareness about the economic and environmental roles of public transport thru: media and awareness campaigns that highlight the environmental and economic benefits of mass transit, improving service quality in terms of comfort, discipline, and punctuality to encourage usage, organizing local events in partnership with governorates to promote a culture of public transport, and the development projects of regional stations and interchange centers contribute to spreading the culture of sustainable transport and making it a part of the daily life of citizens and residents.