DRT combines private transport convenience with public transport affordability The pilot introduces a DRT service that adapts routes and schedules to passenger demand Asia Mobiliti, Malaysias leading Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) technology company, with the support of Omans Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), has announced the forthcoming launch of Omans first Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) service in Muscat. In a statement, the company noted that the announcement was made during the Gulf Green Mobility Forum in Salalah earlier this month, a regional gathering of transport ministers from across the GCC and beyond, showcasing major initiatives shaping the future of sustainable mobility. The pilot will introduce a community DRT service, a flexible form of public transport that dynamically adjusts routes and schedules to match passenger demand. Using smaller vehicles, this model extends the reach of public transport into neighbourhoods not served by traditional bus lines, while minimising empty runs and significantly reducing operational costs. For Oman, the significance of this pilot lies not only in the technology but also in its practicality: DRT offers the convenience of private transport at the affordability of public transport. It presents a scalable way to improve accessibility, reduce inefficiencies and build a more inclusive mobility system for residents, Asia Mobiliti said. The launch of this pilot is an important step in Omans public transport journey. Demand-Responsive Transit bridges the gap between fixed-route services and private transport, offering a model that is financially sustainable and socially inclusive. We also believe technology cannot simply be transplanted from one market to another, said Ramachandran Muniandy (pix) CEO and co-founder of Asia Mobiliti. For Oman, we are working closely with the ministry and local partners to tailor the service to the culture and needs of its people, crafting a solution that truly belongs here, he added. Eng. Abdullah Al-Busaidi, Director General of the Oman Logistics Centre at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said: This pilot marks an important milestone in Omans journey towards sustainable mobility. Demand-Responsive Transit provides a practical solution to improve accessibility while reducing inefficiencies in the transport system. By starting with community DRT, we are testing an approach that can help us reach underserved areas, optimise resources and move closer to our national net-zero objectives. This pilot also lays an excellent foundation for electrification, where flexible operations and intelligent routing can maximise the benefits of zero-emission fleets, supporting Omans broader logistics innovation agenda, he added. The DRT pilot represents a strategic step towards building a fully integrated Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) system in Oman. By first addressing the gaps in todays transport network and encouraging a shift towards shared, sustainable travel, DRT sets the foundation for a stronger culture of public transport adoption. From there, the path opens towards a MaaS ecosystem that seamlessly connects different modes of travel, ensures interoperability across services and delivers a truly integrated mobility experience for all.
