Muscat – How can more people be encouraged to use public transport in Oman? What would make people choose public transport over driving their own car? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said: 

Muna Basheer Al Zadjali, Private sector employee

Public transport in Oman could attract more users if it becomes more convenient, reliable and comfortable, with better route coverage, punctual services and clean buses. Such improvements would make daily travel easier, and personally I would choose it over driving if it saved time, reduced stress, and offered a smooth and dependable commuting experience.

Jerry Jones, Business development manager

Increase bus frequency across city, residential and industrial areas. Reduce fares to very affordable levels. Provide direct, comfortable buses to tourist destinations. Allow flexible request stops in safe areas. Offer low-cost monthly passes. With these improvements, I would consider switching to public transport.

Ayesha Al Balushi, Homemaker
Awareness plays a big role. Many people still see public transport as inconvenient or unfamiliar. If the government promotes its benefits – like saving money and reducing traffic – it could change mindsets. Personally, I would choose it if stops were closer to my home and workplace, and if buses were clean, safe and air-conditioned, especially during summer. 

Ambika Padmanabhan, Vice-principal

Public transport use in Oman requires better awareness of routes, bus stops and fares through clear maps and apps. Offering concessions for students and women, along with safe, affordable and reliable services, will motivate people to choose buses over private cars. 

Shahizanan Tajadin, Private sector employee

Collaboration between bus operators and major companies like PDO, OQ, OXY and Galfar could boost public transport use. Employers could incentivise staff through bonuses for regular trips. Large-scale campaigns should promote positive commuter experiences. Encouraging group travel and creating meeting points may also make bus use more appealing.

Ofelia Hassan, Lecturer

If there are bus stops close to where university campuses or commercial areas are located as well as a fixed schedule suitable for students, officegoers and workers, then we would surely take public transport. It’s just a matter of accessibility and of course clean buses and good and safe services provided by operators.

Rohit K, Accountant

Public transport in Oman has improved with apps like Yango and Otaxi, making booking easy. However, fares are still high for many users. Lower prices would encourage more people to use these services. Introducing affordable monthly packages or pick-and-drop options, especially for office workers, would make public transport more convenient, reliable and attractive than driving personal cars.

Kiran Choudhury, Homemaker

More people can be encouraged to use public transport with ad campaigns and subsidised monthly tickets. Dedicated bus lanes for faster transportation will also help. By not using my own car, I will help in combating pollution and traffic jams.

Sudeshna Majumdar, Teacher 

Public transport should be genuinely competitive and solve the ‘first and last mile’ problem.  Air-conditioned, covered walkways and short walking distances between stops will encourage more people to use public transport. I would choose public transport as I can track everything on phone. It’s stress free and there’s no tension of parking or traffic. 

M Yousuf Aziz, Private sector employee

In all capital cities, public transport – like underground rails, trams and buses – are available to commuters for nominal fare. Here in Muscat, one hardly sees any public transport, which might be because there are very few terminals.  Steps like establishing more terminals in public places, beaches, parks, business centres, educational institutions and mosques, and shaded waiting areas with seating arrangements and water coolers will encourage public transport use. Weekly free rides, convenient daily ticketing, discounted weekly or monthly passes, frequent and regular routes, punctual operations, trained drivers and well-mannered staff could certainly increase the number of people using public transport.