OmanPride: How helpful is the Mwasalat bus service?

#ReadersResponse: To provide safe and easily accessible public transport in Oman, Mwasalat, a leading public transport company in the Sultanate, has been facilitating bus services in the country and till date has been very effective in helping people in commuting. When we asked our readers how they have benefited from the service and what their suggestions are for improving the system, we were overwhelmed with their responses.

Highlighting the benefits of the bus services, Sandhya Vora appreciated the comfort and safety of the services; Elizabeth Joseph, who also found Mwasalat services very useful, had a suggestion regarding the time schedule display. “If the timings, when the bus leaves from each point, are mentioned online or on display boards that can be placed at different bus stops it would be great for reference,” she said.

Shyam Maurya, who is a frequent traveller, said the new public system is excellent in all aspects, whether it’s the air conditioner facilities, free WiFi, or the regularity in the timings, for him the ease of travelling on Mwasalat is as comfortable as travelling in his private car.

Talking about the safety aspect of this service, Mln Ardales finds the service extremely safe for single commuters, especially women, Someshvar Vashisht suggested that one should start special buses exclusive for women as female students are much too dependent of the private van services.

Mihrab Chowdhury, who is a student, said as the bus stops at major locations it has always helped him to travel long distances at a low cost. He proposed that Mwasalat should introduce prepaid bus cards besides cash.

Speaking on the areas that need improvement, he added, “The TV screens in some buses don’t work or don’t show which is the next stop (and is stuck at the starting point that is Ruwi). They also need to expand their services to the interiors of Muscat.”

Muhammad Shafiullah Raju stressed on the ticketing system and said, “The ticketing system has to be improved by introducing a ticket counter at every stop.”

While most readers are content with the ongoing services, there are a large number of people who hope for some new routes to be introduced. Services from Suwaiq to Buraimi, near Royal Hospital, Majan Hotel, Sultan Qaboos Stadium, Barka to Sohar, Fanja, Samail, Bid Bid and Wadi Adai to Sur, the Rusayl industrial area to Ruwi and more. Since taxi services are not available in these areas, people feel that if Mwasalat is introduced it would benefit many, especially the lower income group people.
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