The Omani National Transport Company "Mawasalat", the public transport arm of the ASYAD Group, celebrated its 50th anniversary as the first national operator of public transport services in Oman. The event took place on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Fahd bin Julanda Al Said, President of Sultan Qaboos University, and in the presence of several dignitaries and CEOs.

During the golden jubilee celebration, "Mawasalat" showcased a series of accomplishments and historical milestones that reflect its excellence in public transport and its commitment to providing pioneering world-class services that facilitate public transport users and connect different cities and provinces of Oman.

In a bid to enhance cooperation with various governmental entities and the private sector, "Mawasalat" signed 4 memoranda of understanding and cooperation during the event. A commercial agreement was signed with the "OTE" Group, the Hyundai agent in Oman, to start pilot projects for vehicles powered by clean hydrogen energy. These initiatives align with Mawasalat`s strategy to meet the Oman 2040 vision of relying on renewable energy sources and achieving environmental sustainability. This approach began in 2018 with the establishment of air-conditioned solar-powered passenger waiting stations. A memorandum of understanding was also signed with the Ministry of Social Development to train and qualify 100 drivers from the Wafa Centers for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities and the Child Care Center on defensive driving. This includes offering discounted tickets for people with disabilities, the elderly, and those with limited income. Additionally, a memorandum was signed with the International College of Engineering and Technology to train Omani youth seeking employment to enhance their entrepreneurial skills in vehicle maintenance. Furthermore, a strategic partnership was initiated with Sultan Qaboos University to test biofuel applications in vehicles and boost renewable energy initiatives.

Mawasalat announced the launch of specialized electronic transport tickets linked to the smart transport system, targeting various segments of society and age groups. In coordination with the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, "Mawasalat" restructured public transport tickets to meet the requirements of the next phase. This includes promotional packages available on Mawasalat`s website and social media accounts. It`s anticipated that these tickets will see increased demand from various segments of Omani society and residents.

His Highness Dr. Fahd bin Julanda Al Said, President of Sultan Qaboos University and patron of the event, also inaugurated a special postage stamp marking 50 years since the establishment of "Mawasalat", in collaboration with Oman Post ASYAD Express.

 

 

Established in 1972, the Omani National Transport Company aimed to connect major cities and operate public transport lines. It served as an essential and effective component in various developmental sectors in the Sultanate of Oman, positioning itself as one of the first permanent members in the region of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).

In 2015, "Mwasalat" embarked on a new phase in its journey towards excellence and globalization by launching its new corporate identity. This reflected a modern concept of public transportation focused on providing premium services within an integrated, safe, high-quality, and efficient public transport system.

To achieve these objectives, "Mwasalat" devised a strategy to serve all segments of society according to the highest international standards. This strategy emphasized the environmental, social, and economic benefits of the sector and activated its role in promoting tourism and commerce.

These plans started bearing fruit. In 2019, "Mwasalat" achieved impressive records, transporting more than 9.2 million passengers on land routes and over 241,000 travelers on ferries. These ferries carried around 60,000 vehicles and approximately 140,000 tons of goods.

In terms of awards, "Mwasalat" garnered numerous international accolades. Notably, they received the International Road Transport Union award for "Excellence in Bus Services" in 2017. They also clinched the "Customer Experience" award and the "Excellence in Marketing" accolade from the International Association of Public Transport in 2017 and 2019, respectively. In 2018, they were recognized for excellence in job localization across the Gulf countries. This year, Mwasalat received a global commendation award from the International Association of Public Transport during the Middle East and North Africa Transport Conference and Exhibition held in Dubai. This was in acknowledgment of their efforts in encouraging women and families to use public transportation by promoting designated priority seating areas in buses, which contributed to an increased percentage of female passengers in public transport.

 

 

"Mawasalat" has focused its efforts on updating the technical aspects of the sector to enhance its efficiency and quality. The company has launched a program to link the operating systems for its land and sea transport services, integrating bus and ferry services. Additionally, it introduced the Smart Transport system and the "Mawasalat" application in 2021, aiming to enhance competitiveness and establish an interactive platform that allows for easy trip planning, electronic payments, and smart tracking.

The "Mawasalat" application offers various features and options to help users plan their trips and simplify payment processes. It includes features for pre-planning trips, real-time tracking of bus arrival times, direct electronic payment, discounted rates for electronic payments, and information on various promotional packages. Among its most notable offerings are the seasonal ticket packages and special tickets for specific community groups launched recently.

Throughout its history, "Mawasalat" has adopted a long-term strategy to enhance the capabilities and skills of its human capital across various specialties. It constantly focuses on training its young national talents and human resources. Consequently, the Mawasalat Training Institute was established. This institute has become a trusted regional center for professional development, offering high-quality training programs for technicians and drivers in the public transport sector. The trained professionals are well-equipped to efficiently operate the transport and logistics systems, aligning with the strategy of the "Asyad Group" to elevate the logistics sector`s proficiency in Oman. The institute has garnered several international accreditations, such as from the "City and Guilds" Educational Association, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in the UK, the "IVV" Foundation, and the "Diamond" Foundation.

Today, "Mawasalat" has evolved from a public transport company operating internal routes to a vibrant engine for an integrated public transport system. It operates local and cross-border transport services, ferry services, cargo transport, bus rental, vehicle and driver performance monitoring and tracking systems, and commercial vehicle repair. Furthermore, it serves as a hub for advertising and contracts and operates the "Tayr" land transport system. This transformation positions "Mawasalat" as a key supporter of trade, tourism, and the national economy in Oman.