Book a bus ride to your workplace, transport hub station

MUSCAT: The last-mile connectivity in the capital will receive a boost as authorities encourage ideas put forward by young startups.
Sayyar, created by Omar al Ghafri, is one such concept that will enable the development of private feeder bus services in the country.
It will allow people to book bus services that will pick them up from their place of work or home and take them to their next destination at a scheduled time. This can be a shared service according to the options provided by the operator.
According to Al Ghafri, 'Sayyar is a startup aggregator, similar to app-based taxi services, that allows people to book bus rides from a list of 150 buses owned by individuals. Passengers can choose providers who will pick them up from their homes and drop them off at their desired destination. It is a direct and more affordable service compared to other options.'
Sayyar has also signed an agreement with the public transport company Mwasalat to implement feeder route solutions at major public transport stations as a first phase.
Al Ghafri explained, 'The feeder bus service will pick customers up from their homes and take them to the nearest bus station of Mwasalat, from where they can continue their onward journey.' The Sayyar app will provide real-time bus tracking services, details of feeder bus routes, and notifications to prevent any misunderstandings between the bus operator and the passenger.
The company, which has obtained all necessary permits from the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and the Muscat Municipality, is currently training bus drivers or owners. The project is now in a soft-launch phase, and customers will be able to book services within a month. It will benefit passengers who regularly travel to the oil and gas industry.
It is worth noting that the government has been working on a Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) service in Muscat through an international company. DRT is a flexible form of public transport that adjusts routes and schedules dynamically based on passenger demand. Using smaller vehicles, this model extends the reach of public transport into neighbourhoods not served by traditional bus lines, while minimising empty runs and significantly reducing operational costs, according to reports.