AMBITIOUS GROWTH: Ineco charting roadmap for national bus operator evolution into world-class player -
Muscat - Spanish transport engineering specialist Ineco's 25-year master-plan for the development of state-owned Mwasalat will transform the company into a world-class player, according to the CEO of the national bus operator.
Ahmed Ali al Balushi said the Madrid-based public engineering services firm is currently formulating a comprehensive strategy that will chart a roadmap for Mwasalat's "evolution into an international-class bus operator" over the 2016-2040 timeframe.
"We really appreciate the involvement, flexibility and know-how of the Ineco's team working on this project," Al Balushi said."Ineco has successfully demonstrated in the past months that they are a team of highly qualified professionals that can bring international best practice tailored to our needs and context," he added in comments published in a recent edition of Ineco's corporate magazine 'ITRANSPORTE'. The master-plan builds on an interim Public Transport Strategy drafted by Ineco on behalf of Oman's Ministry of Transport and Communications. Submitted in 2014, the blueprint -- prepared in collaboration with Spanish public transport operator Grupo Ruiz -- outlines a plan of action for the roll out of a public transport network initially across the capital region.
The strategy, elements of which are currently under implementation, also envisions the introduction of public transport bus services in major urban centres like Sohar and Salalah, followed by the establishment of interurban transport links between these cities.
It also outlines a vision for the development of bus stations, workshops, parking areas and so on, as part of a revamp of Mwasalat's support infrastructure.
"The modernisation of the company has not been limited only to urban transport in Muscat, Mwasalat intercity and international services were also improved as part of this renovation process with brand-new fleet with the highest levels of quality and safety," Al Balushi said.
Also in line for implementation are a number of "ambitious plans" for, among other things, the expansion of the city and intercity bus fleet necessary to support the rollout of new urban bus routes in Muscat.
Investments in an enlarged fleet will also help establish new urban bus routes in other major cities, and reinforce or extend the intercity routes with new services to other destinations or greater frequencies for existing routes, he noted. Underpinning Mwasalat's modernisation strategy is a state-of-the-art Intelligent Transport System (ITS), the CEO pointed out. "We are planning to implement smart ticketing, passenger information systems, automated vehicle management systems, etc.
All these initiatives will help to improve transport services and mobility, reduce traffic associated problem, enhance the economy and, finally, help to continue the economic and social development of the Sultanate of Oman," he stated.
In the interview, Al Balushi however lamented the lack of suitable legislation regulating the public transport landscape in the Sultanate, which he described as one of the "main challenges" facing the sector. "Mwasalat needs this regulation: firstly, to regulate the taxi sector so they become a professional and complementary activity to bus services; and secondly, to regulate the passenger land transport market, so the coexistence of public (Mwasalat) and private bus companies is achieved with adequate competence conditions.
Fortunately, work is under progress with the recently approved Land Transport Law that was elaborated by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which is the first step to regulate the sector," he added.
© Oman Daily Observer 2016
