Muscat: Over 14,600 people used Mwasalat shuttle buses in Nizwa that operated during the Eid Al Fitr holidays between March 28 and April 5.
Buses operated during busy evening hours at a frequency of 10 minutes between 4 pm and 12 am from Nizwa Souq to Nizwa Grand Mall.
Rides were free for citizens while expatriates paid 200 baizas, and according to local sources, services got a GOOD response as it helped citizens and residents to avoid parking woes around the busy Nizwa Souq.
Over 31,000 passengers used Mwasalat buses during the trial phase for public transport service in Nizwa in January this year as part of plans to upgrade the public transport system in the governorate.
Speaking to the Observer, Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shamakhi, Undersecretary for Transport, said, "We have an agreement signed with Al Dhakilyah and there are similar plans with two other governorates." The ministry is planning to review the Muscat and inter-city services operated by Mwasalat, and a tender will be awarded to an international consultant to conduct a thorough study. Public transport is important considering the number of visitors received by the Governorate, as such services will help ease traffic congestion and facilitate the movement of visitors to Nizwa, especially during long public holidays.
It may be noted that Al Dhakilyah took a major step to improve its transport infrastructure and boost tourism with the signing of investment agreements worth over RO7mn on Monday. Key projects include the development of a modern transport hub in Nizwa, aimed at upgrading the commercial and tourist movement throughout the governorate. An agreement was recently signed to develop the integrated bus station in Nizwa in partnership with the private sector.
Mwasalat will manage the transport station, offering safe transport services that connect Al Dakhliyah with other governorates and support economic development. The transport hub is expected to serve intercity bus routes in partnership with local operators.
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