In a major step towards transforming the public transport system, the country will get women-driven taxis for the first time.
The female Otaxi service will be launched in Muscat Governorate on January 20 in the 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.
Several people welcomed the decision and said it was a matter of time the service was launched for the benefit of women officegoers, students, and even homemakers.
“Women are generally reluctant to travel in taxis alone driven by a male driver but this female taxi service will give them confidence,” said Rachel, a schoolteacher, who has several female colleagues who use various types of private transport.
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 and pink).
The service will provide employment opportunities for female jobseekers, allowing them to work as taxi drivers or earn additional income while they wait for jobs, an official statement said.
The Otaxi service, which has been in operation for nearly four years, allows customers to pay via cards or cash.
"Otaxi has been one of its kind and an advanced way of public transportation in the Sultanate of Oman," said Maqbali.
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