Crackdown on illegal transporters intensify

Authorities are cracking down on unauthorised transporters as part of the plans to regulate the public transport in the capital.

As a public service, it is essential to regulate any kind of transportation activity, especially those connected to ferrying school children and tourists to and from the airport, authorities dealing with the implementation of these regulations under the Land Transport Law said.

Several persons were arrested for transporting passengers in private cars from Muscat International Airport this week.

“When accidents happen the authorities are blamed first, but what about those who break the law,” an official at the Ministry of Transport and Communication (MOTC) told the Observer. According to the ministry, unauthorised passenger transport by illegal taxis to and from Muscat International Airport will attract a fine of RO 200, says MOTC.

Mwasalat is the licensed operator to pick up passengers from the airport while private vehicles are free to drop and pick passengers. But they have to move out of the arrivals/ departure area within 10 minutes. Private transporters also face a fine of RO 35 from ROP making the total penalty RO235.

Under the new Land Transport Law, practicing any type of land transportation activities (including those managed by expatriates) is prohibited.

When accidents happen the authorities are blamed first, but what about those who break the law AN OFFICIAL Ministry of Transport and Communication