With licensed smart apps, Oman's taxis are secure, transparent

Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology launched the campaign called 'It Makes a Difference' based on the results of a consultation conducted on the experiences of licensed taxi apps.
The campaign aims to encourage taxi drivers to join licensed apps as part of efforts to regulate the sector and improve service quality and passenger safety through secure and transparent digital solutions.
The transportation sector in the Sultanate of Oman is undergoing a significant transformation with the increased use of licensed smart apps, aligning with national trends towards digitisation and technology in vital sectors. Within this framework, the ministry continues its efforts to regulate the sector and ensure its sustainability.
To contribute to the development of taxi apps that meet aspirations, enhance community participation and advance digital transportation services in Oman, the ministry evaluated the experiences of licensed taxi apps from June 22 to July 22 of this year.
The ministry aims to regulate taxi activity in Oman and has announced that taxi applications licensed by the ministry are available on demand, whether through instant or pre-booking, after meeting the requirements and provisions of the Land Transport Law's regulations.
Studies conducted by the ministry have shown that regulating the taxi sector has directly improved drivers' incomes by providing them with more stable employment opportunities. It has also led to more efficient and convenient transportation services for users. Passengers can now benefit from advantages such as tracking their journey, knowing fares in advance, and easily accessing taxis at any time and place, increasing safety and transparency in this vital sector.
The smart on-demand applications provide a system for tracking and monitoring the journey's route, with fixed prices determined before the trip, while ensuring user privacy and security.
The applications also allow users to message the driver through the app and cancel requests with ease. They also offer various services, including basic trips, economical trips, monthly contracts and an independent system for processing taxi requests for institutions and companies.
Starting in early April of this year, all white and orange taxis are required to join electronic platforms, register and operate through approved vehicle booking applications to improve service quality and provide secure digital solutions. This initiative aims to modernise the public transportation system, improve taxi services and enhance transparency in fare pricing. Additionally, this transformation will increase passenger access to taxis through digital platforms, ushering Omani taxis into a new era of digital transformation.