Mwasalat trialled its first ever electric bus on the scenic Ruwi-Muscat route earlier this month. Are more of such environment friendly measures needed in Oman? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said –

Ahmed al Amri, Passenger

I took the bus from Ruwi to Muttrah and must say that the experience was great. Seeing the electric bus gliding quietly through Ruwi felt refreshing. We need more of these, not just for tourism routes, but daily commuting. Less noise, no smoke and better for everyone’s health. Oman is slowly becoming green and Mwasalat is taking the lead.

Saif al Harthy, Businessman

I believe sustainability begins with choices like this. Public transport powered by electricity reduces our carbon footprint. It’s good for our cities, our lungs and our children’s future. The government and private sectors must work together to expand such green efforts across Oman. We need this bus to be in every part of the city and in frequent intervals.

Fatma al Maamari, Student

It’s a step in the right direction. With Oman’s natural beauty and rising climate challenges, switching to electric transport is crucial. I hope electric buses become the norm. Clean, quiet and smart – it’s exactly what Oman’s future deserves. I’d love to see them running in Salalah, too!

Arjun Menon, Businessman

Electric buses are an intelligent move. With rising fuel prices and environmental concerns, cleaner alternatives are essential. This pilot route is just a beginning. I’d like to see electric taxis and delivery vans soon. Oman has the sunshine – we should use it to solar power the future.

Nourah Akhtar, Teacher 

Introduction of the Mwasalat electric bus is a step in the right direction to reduce our carbon footprint and improve sustainability of public transport. I believe that such environment friendly initiatives by companies like Mwasalat will encourage consumers and employees to follow sustainable practices that protect the environment in the long run.

Samita Chakraborty, Teacher

Allowing these buses to travel on smaller roads is a step we can take to increase accessibility to sustainable public transport and reduce our carbon footprint. However, we rely heavily on oil and natural gas for electricity generation. Oman should focus on finding alternative sources of electricity – like solar energy – to sustainably preserve our natural resources.

Abdullah Abadi, Tourist guide   

These measures are essential for reducing our carbon emissions and air pollution within our country. Since it’s less ideal for us to walk or cycle to our intended destination in this heat, a demand for eco-friendly modes of transportation should be expected and met by these companies.

Gurpreet Bhatia, R&D manager

I’m glad that companies like Mwasalat are taking such initiatives that stand against climate change. However, steps must be taken to make electric vehicles more accessible and affordable to the general public if we expect to make any significant progress towards our goals of protecting our environment.

Reena Nambiar, Nurse

I took the trial ride and loved it! No vibrations, no fumes – just peaceful travel. If Oman wants to attract eco-conscious tourists and improve quality of life, this is a wonderful start. More vehicle charging stations and electric routes would encourage us all to choose greener options.