Muscat: In a big step towards transforming the public transport system in the country, the Sultanate will get women-driven taxis for the first time.
The Female Otaxi service will be launched in Muscat Governorate on 20 January 2022, as a first phase.
Speaking to the Observer, Harith al Maqbali, the CEO of Otaxi, said that the service will be launched with nine female drivers with plans for gradual expansion.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology on Thursday gave its approval to Aalam A'ssahab (clouds world) company to provide a female taxi service via Otaxi's app-based bookings.
The service offers online tracking of taxis with prices fixed set prior to the start of trips. The license allows female drivers/operators to choose distinctive colors for their vehicles (white, pink).
The service will provide employment opportunities for female jobseekers, allowing them to work as taxi drivers or to earn additional income while they wait for jobs. It will also benefit female office goers, students, mothers, and children.
The app-based cab, OTaxi, which has been in operation for nearly four years with and offers customers to pay via cards or cash.
It allows customers to get a taxi anywhere at their doorstep in Muscat and anytime. "When launched in it has been one of its kind and an advanced way of public transportation in Oman,” according to Maqbali, CEO of OTaxi, said.
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