Muscat: For individuals residing in Oman who may find themselves exasperated by their daily commute, a recent survey indicates that there is much to be commended about the country's traffic conditions. The survey, conducted by Numbeo's Mid-Year 2024 Traffic Index, places Oman among the least congested cities in the Arab world, ranking it as one of the most efficient in terms of traffic flow globally.
On average, commuters in Oman spend a mere 19.9 minutes navigating through traffic each day. This stands in stark contrast to cities such as Lagos, Nigeria, where drivers are subjected to an average of 68.8 minutes of traffic congestion daily - the longest recorded in the world. Comparatively, residents of neighboring Dubai endure 36.3 minutes of traffic each day, a figure that is nearly double that of Oman's commuters.
The survey positions Oman at 161st globally in terms of traffic congestion, establishing it as the least congested city traffic-wise within the Arab world. Following Oman in the Arab region are Doha, where residents spend approximately 29.2 minutes in traffic, and Jeddah with an average of 30.5 minutes daily.
Other cities in the rankings include Abu Dhabi at 32.9 minutes, Riyadh at 32.5 minutes, Kuwait at 34.5 minutes, and Dubai at 36.3 minutes.
In an interview with Times of Oman, Brig-Eng. Ali Sulayem Al Falahi, Director General of Traffic at the Royal Oman Police, acknowledged the superior quality of the Sultanate's roads, which have seen significant advancements over the past two decades, achieving a global ranking of tenth in road quality.
He further noted that Oman is the least congested among Gulf countries and among the best Arab countries in terms of traffic congestion compared to the capitals of these nations. This is attributed to the concerted efforts of the Royal Oman Police, represented by the General Directorate of Traffic, in collaboration with relevant authorities responsible for road and transportation sectors within the Sultanate of Oman.
These efforts encompass a range of activities, from the design and implementation of roads, to their maintenance and optimal use, monitoring road users, enforcing traffic control, educating and raising awareness among the public about the importance of adhering to traffic systems and rules, monitoring vehicle speeds, and addressing traffic violations that could contribute to congestion due to certain driver behaviors.
He emphasized that these collective efforts have borne fruit, evident in the positive feedback from both residents and tourists alike. Tourists often compare traffic movement in various countries and find Oman's roads to be a model among those they have visited.
He concluded that the commitment to enhancing road safety and setting a benchmark for other countries to follow remains steadfast.
The Numbeo’s Mid-Year 2024 Traffic Index report further highlights the struggles faced by numerous global cities in managing extreme congestion. This includes cities such as Los Angeles, Colombo, Delhi, and Dhaka, all of which are characterized by significant commute times and inefficiencies.
The Numbeo Traffic Index takes into account a variety of factors, including average commute times, overall satisfaction with traffic conditions, CO2 emissions, and systemic inefficiencies. These metrics provide a more holistic view of urban traffic experiences, emphasizing not only the delays associated with congestion but also its environmental and social consequences.
The Numbeo Traffic Index assigns a score to each city, with a score of 354.5 in Lagos indicating severe congestion and Oman’s score of 111.3 highlighting its relatively smooth traffic flow.
Oman’s success in maintaining manageable traffic conditions can be attributed to its well-maintained infrastructure, relatively low population density, and strategic urban planning. The infrastructure in Muscat and other major cities has been designed to ensure a smooth flow, minimizing the potential for delays common in densely populated areas or expansive urban environments.
Furthermore, Oman has invested significantly in recent years to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times between key areas. This includes the construction of new road networks and bridges, which have made travel easier for residents and commuters.
These initiatives, in conjunction with a focus on sustainable and low-emission transportation solutions, are in line with Oman’s Vision 2040 strategy, which aims to improve the quality of life across various sectors, including transportation.
Although Oman’s traffic conditions may seem relatively smooth, congestion remains a global challenge, particularly in rapidly expanding urban centers.
Cities such as Los Angeles, Colombo, and Dhaka face the challenge of managing the overwhelming number of vehicles on the road, which often exceeds the pace of infrastructure development. This, along with rapid urbanization, inadequate public transportation options, and high rates of vehicle ownership, intensifies congestion issues.
The Numbeo Traffic Index serves as an invaluable resource for city planners and governments worldwide, providing insights into the severity of congestion and the factors contributing to effective solutions.
Oman’s performance in the Index suggests that its current strategies are effective, and other cities grappling with congestion might consider Oman’s approach as a potential model for improvement.
