Asia Mobiliti, a Malaysia-based mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) technology company, has partnered with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), to launch Oman’s first demand-responsive transit (DRT) service in Muscat.

Asia Mobiliti said in a statement on Monday that 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 neighborhoods not served by traditional bus lines, while minimizing empty runs and significantly reducing operational costs.

It is noted that 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.

“The launch of this pilot is an important step in Oman’s 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,” said Ramachandran Muniandy (pix) Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Asia Mobiliti.

“We also believe technology cannot simply be transplanted from one market to another,

“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 Oman’s journey towards sustainable mobility.

According to him, 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, optimize resources and move closer to our national net-zero objectives,” he said.

This pilot also lays an excellent foundation for electrification, where flexible operations and intelligent routing can maximize the benefits of zero-emission fleets, supporting Oman’s broader logistics innovation agenda, he added.

According to the statement, the DRT pilot represents a strategic step towards building a fully integrated MaaS system in Oman.

By first addressing the gaps in today’s 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, said the statement.

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