Transport plan aims to clean up Oman’s air
The Ministry of Transport and Communications unveiled details of the 2017-2025 vision for public transport
Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Oman’s new strategic plan for transport will reduce cars on the road and improve the environment by an extensive public transport network.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications hosted a press conference on Wednesday, detailing the 2017-2025 vision for public transport. A focal point for the strategy, Dr. Ahmed Al Futaisi explained, is the environmental advantage to public transport.
“The strategy will improve air quality by reducing emissions, will reduce noise and improve the quality of the surrounding envi- ronment. Public transport also requires fewer areas of land to be used,” the Minister of Transport and Communications said.
The public transport strategy will involve two main phases. Salim bin Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary at the Ministry, explained the phases of the plan.
“177 new buses will be purchased, 12 new lines will be operated within Muscat, 4 inter-city transport lines will be developed and 5 internal lines of public transport will be implemented in Sohar and Salalah, as well as the development of the shipping system, various advertising services, the construction of airconditioned stations, and the implementation of new technical systems,” he said.
Study
The end of the first phase should also involve the study of establishing a Light Rail Train (LTR), as well as the establishment of a regulatory Authority for the sector. “The Ministry will follow up with the concerned authorities for the LTR during Phase III. The LRT plan requires competent authorities to provide the various funds and permits, in order to start the detailed study of the implementation,” the plan details revealed.
The Ministry is currently in the process of establishing a transport regulatory Authority, with specific functions. The Authority would establish standards and regulations to monitor public transport performance, in addition to cooperating with regional and international organisations that relate to public transport.
The second phase will run through the time frame 20192025, during which 173 new buses will be purchased and three new lines will begin operation within the Governorate of Muscat.
Eleven internal public transport lines will start operating in some governorates, and four inter-city buses will be developed.
According to the strategy, phase two would also involve the establishment of a bus and emergency lane, to reduce traffic times and increase the quality of service, and give priority to bus transits at major intersections.
There will also be development of pedestrian crossing areas around the stations, and the increase of bus stations. Phase two would also involve the “Park and Ride” initiative, where large car parks would be built by public transport stops so that individuals can park their cars and use public transport to reach their next destination. Phase three, on the other hand, will come in seven years.