Muscat: In order to achieve meaningful goals in the government's 'Green Mobility Initiatives', transportation experts are emphasizing the importance of increased public-private participation interactions.
During a recent discussion on 'Navigating the Future of Mobility', Sheikha Ambuali, marketing director at Otaxi, highlighted the need for effective knowledge sharing between the private and public sectors. While the government is taking steps to install charging stations for electric vehicles, it is crucial for all stakeholders to come together and address issues such as the optimal charging time for drivers and the ideal locations for these facilities.
She further emphasized the significance of understanding both the customers' and drivers' needs in order to find solutions to challenges like traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours and weekends.
By leveraging services like OTaxi and others, authorities can explore viable solutions without requiring significant investments.
The budget is a crucial factor for projects like the Muscat Metro, as highlighted by a representative from Alstom of France. The engineering company must conduct comprehensive physical, environmental, and social studies, making it imperative to allocate the appropriate funds to ensure the project's success.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) is actively collaborating with the private sector to expand the electric vehicle market. It is worth mentioning that the range of choices available to potential buyers has grown by 40 percent in the previous year.
Khamis bin Mohammed al Shamakhi, the Undersecretary for Transport at MTCIT, stated that the Sultanate has strategic plans to establish hydrogen corridors specifically for heavy transportation. The initial phase of this endeavor aims to achieve a significant 40 percent reduction in emissions by utilizing locally developed dual combustion engines. Additionally, the plans involve promoting the adoption of hydrogen in heavy transportation by procuring electric vehicles for government agencies and implementing intelligent devices for port operations.
In addition to introducing electric buses to provide accessible and affordable transportation options, the ministry's long-term vision includes leveraging artificial intelligence to effectively manage traffic flow.
