MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusive services for persons with disabilities through its participation in the national Purple Saturday campaign, organised by the Ministry of Social Development.
The ministry showcased a wide range of initiatives and programmes across the transport, communications and information technology sectors aimed at improving accessibility, enhancing independent access to essential services and fostering a more inclusive society in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
MoTCIT said its participation reflects its ongoing efforts to develop services that respond to the needs of persons with disabilities while strengthening collaboration with government entities, private-sector partners and transport operators to adopt advanced technologies and international best practices that support their active participation in society.
As the authority responsible for the Sultanate of Oman’s transport sector, the ministry continues to coordinate efforts to build a more accessible and inclusive transport system. Working closely with operators and stakeholders, MoTCIT is supporting initiatives designed to improve mobility and ensure that persons with disabilities can travel safely, conveniently and independently.
As part of the Purple Saturday campaign, the ministry, in cooperation with transport operators, introduced a package of initiatives, including free public transport services within cities and between governorates, as well as discounted ferry services. These measures are intended to encourage greater use of public transport while supporting the mobility needs of persons with disabilities.
Ride-hailing companies and taxi operators also joined the campaign by offering complimentary trips, discounted fares and promotional codes, highlighting strong collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing community-focused initiatives.
In the public transport sector, Oman National Transport Company (Mwasalat) continues to enhance its services and facilities to better serve passengers with disabilities. Buses have been equipped with wheelchair-accessible features, designated seating areas, audio announcement systems and electronic information displays. The company also provides specialised training for drivers and frontline staff to improve services for passengers with different types of disabilities while implementing community initiatives that promote inclusive mobility.
The ministry also highlighted the growing role of digital technologies in expanding transport accessibility. Among the key initiatives is the AI-powered voice-booking feature available through the TaxiF application, enabling visually impaired users to book transport services more easily and independently.
In the maritime transport sector, MoTCIT continues to work with operators to improve accessibility across ferry terminals and vessels. Ongoing enhancements include accessible boarding bridges, wheelchair facilities, secure wheelchair anchoring points, designated seating areas and passenger assistance services during boarding and disembarkation. Crew members also receive specialised training to respond effectively to the needs of passengers with disabilities under various operating conditions.
Similar efforts are underway in the aviation sector, where the ministry is coordinating with airport operators and relevant authorities to ensure accessible travel services. These include wheelchair assistance, adapted facilities, priority routes, and reception and escort services designed to provide a smoother and more inclusive travel experience.
Beyond transport, the ministry continues to strengthen digital inclusion through a comprehensive accessibility programme across the communications and information technology sector. The initiative aims to ensure that government digital platforms and mobile applications comply with national digital accessibility standards, enabling persons with disabilities to access online services efficiently and independently.
MoTCIT also provides technical support and specialised consultancy services to government entities while conducting field assessments, awareness programmes and capacity-building initiatives to promote digital accessibility across the public sector. The ministry has launched a visual resource library and a unified communication platform to facilitate knowledge sharing and encourage the adoption of accessibility best practices.
To further support government institutions and developers, the ministry has issued a Digital Accessibility Guideline and a Mobile Applications Guideline, providing practical references for designing and developing more accessible digital services that meet the needs of persons with disabilities while enhancing the overall user experience.
The ministry also continues to expand its regional and international partnerships to exchange expertise and adopt global best practices, reinforcing Oman’s position in digital inclusion and accessible technology.
MoTCIT affirmed that empowering persons with disabilities remains an integral part of its strategy for developing the transport, communications and information technology sectors. It said it will continue working with government agencies, private-sector organisations and community partners to enhance service accessibility, improve infrastructure and deliver innovative digital solutions that meet the needs of all members of society.
The ministry added that these efforts contribute to achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by promoting equal opportunities, strengthening social inclusion and developing an integrated service ecosystem that supports sustainable development and enhances the quality of life for all.
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