97% of Muscat road users depend on private vehicles: Study

2026-03-03 - 10:08

Muscat – Muscat Municipality has completed its most comprehensive traffic study to date, revealing a significant reliance on private vehicle use across the governorate. The findings indicate that 97% of road users currently depend on private cars for their daily mobility. Furthermore, the data shows that 70% of these trips are made in single-occupancy vehicles, where the driver is the sole occupant. These results highlight an urgent requirement to promote a culture of shared mobility and to expand the reach and effectiveness of public transportation services. H E Eng Ahmed bin Said Al Amri, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, stated that the study represents a strategic step toward sustainable urban planning based on rigorous data. He noted that addressing traffic congestion is a long-term vision spanning the next 20 years, balancing economic feasibility with urban expansion. The municipality is now focused on enhancing various modes of public transport and proposing regulatory measures to provide viable alternatives to private car use in terms of cost and accessibility. This integrated approach aims to improve the quality of life and support sustainable development across Muscat.