Muscat: The Oman National Transport Company, Mwasalat has said that the free pass for college and university students is aimed at encouraging the youth to use public transportation by offering incentives, which will help reduce traffic congestion in Muscat, carbon emissions, and air pollution and also vehicle accidents.
In a statement, Engineer Badr bin Mohammed Al Nadawi, CEO, of Mwasalat, said, "The company was established by a royal decree to provide transportation services within all governorates of the Sultanate. In 2015, the company was assigned the task of implementing a strategic long-term plan for public transportation under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology."
The plan, to provide safe, reliable, and easily accessible transportation services in major cities, was started in Muscat Governorate by developing the existing network, which at the time had only two routes in service.
Today, 12 routes are in operation, connecting five wilayats of the capital, except for Qurayyat, catering to tourist attractions, universities, colleges, hospitals, civil institutions, and various institutions.
The company also operates two routes in Salalah, connecting all important tourist attractions, institutions, colleges, and universities located in the city.
On the Public Transport Open Day, Mwasalat provided free bus services to citizens for three days.
Free pass for students for two years
The pass will be renewed every six months and students affiliated with any college or university in Muscat or Salalah Governorates can download it on the Mwasalat App by activating their account.
The details of applying are available on the Mwasalat social media platforms.
This service is not only available just for the student’s commute from their residence to the educational institutions, but even otherwise.
The free service in the later stages will also include the elderly and those with limited income among others.
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