Muscat Metro and Water Taxis to Launch in 2026

The Muscat Public Transport Development 2026 plan was recently reviewed by the Muscat Municipal Council as part of the strategic plan for developing public bus services (2015-2040). The goal is to reduce reliance on private vehicles and enhance public transit infrastructure in the capital.

As a result, a council meeting led by Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat and Chairman of the Municipal Council, was attended by the chairman of Muscat Municipality and delegates from Mwasalat.

Stages of Muscat Public Transport Development

• 🚏 Phase 1 (2015-2018): The first phase focused on the introduction of bus services on main and secondary routes, taxi system regulation, and walkway improvements.
• 🚌 Phase 2 (2019-2025): During this phase, authorities worked on the expansion of bus services with new routes, dedicated bus lines, and new bus stations.
• 🚇 Phase 3 (2026-2040): Moving forward, the development of the Muscat Metro Expansion and water taxis will be implemented.

Public Transport Development Plans

Consequently, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) will review Muscat public transport development and intercity services operated by Mwasalat.

Moreover, a tender will be awarded to an international consultant for a thorough study of Oman’s public transport plan 2040.

📊 Study Focus Areas:

• ✅ Analysis of bus routes, scheduling, and ridership data in line with Muscat Metro Expansion.
• ✅ Evaluation of intercity network coverage and operational costs to support public transportation expansion in Muscat.
• ✅ Demographic and geographic analysis to identify growth areas for Muscat infrastructure development.
• ✅ Integration with Greater Muscat and other urban mobility plans to ensure a well-coordinated system.

Water Taxis: A Key Addition to Oman’s Transport Network

📌 Importantly, water taxis in Oman will be a tourism service, not part of public transportation.

In addition, they will enhance coastal transportation in Oman, connecting visitors to major attractions. The tender for this project has been floated, and it will be awarded this year. Finally, water taxis in Muscat, Musandam, and Sharqiyah will serve as a transport alternative for tourism.

The Muscat Metro Expansion and water taxis will mark a significant milestone in Oman’s public transport development. Not only will they improve urban mobility, but they will also reduce congestion and enhance tourism infrastructure.