ISSN 2348-1218 (print) International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations ISSN 2348-1226 (online) Vol. 8, Issue 3, pp: (71-75), Month: July - September 2020, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
Comparitive Analysis on the Perception of Transport Services (Public V/S Private) in Oman 1 1,2
Dr. Chintan, 2Ms. Komal
College of Banking and Financial Studies (Oman)
Email ID: chintanajoshi@gmail.com ; komalkhakhar02@gmail.com Phone: +96896098620
Abstract: The major aim of the study is to conduct the comparative study on the overall perception of customers in Oman in terms of private and public transport services. It involves both qualitative and quantitative approach. As observed over last decade it has been observed that Oman is facing some problems such as traffic congestion in cities, low mobility, and high individual costs of transport. Above scenario is drawing government attention towards development of appropriate public transport systems. Moreover, there are quite a few private transport systems also available in Oman, which includes private taxis, school buses, some private transports especially for students who are studying in colleges and HEI’S. Further study includes collection of primary data from various sources, conducting interviews from various focus groups followed by critical analysis and formation of a statistical model. Later the model is analyzed followed by proper conclusion and recommendation which opens the gate for the future research as well. Keywords: Public Transport, Perception, Comparative analysis.
1. INTRODUCTION Public transportation services are integral to societies. Countries need effective public transport services for transit users, apparent or latent, who need and value different modes of public transport. Public transportation is defined as transportation by a conveyance that provides continuing general or special transportation. In an urbanized society, an efficient transportation system is one of the basic components of the social, economic, and physical structure, and it has to be competitive and attractive to the transit seekers. The drive to introduce and nurture strong public transport system in the Middle Eastern region is of utmost importance. A strong public transport system will certainly be favored by the youth and also resolve budget issues in the time of oil price vulnerability and traffic congestion. Additionally, it will improve the Carbon footprint of the country. Considering the traffic congestion, road safety and increasing oil prices, people would prefer public transport not only in long distance but also in shorter distances. A well-established public transport system will be a boon to lower income group living in suburbs of the Sultanate. There are two parallel modes of transport in Oman. An underdeveloped public transport (Buses) and a full-fledged private taxi network. The public transporter Mwasalat launched buses in November,2015 and metered taxi services in December,2018. The buses provide fair connectivity across the capital city and other important cities of Oman. Also, Mwasalat caters to School transport, universities and private transport contracts. Further we can say that in Oman public transport is much new where we can say Mwasalat buses. Customers who need to commute were relying on private taxis since many years. Oman developed various private transport systems in recent years which includes Mwasalat taxis, Marhaba taxi ,Metered Airport taxis. Public transportation services vitalize economies of nations. These services improve the life of communities by providing safe, efficient, and economic transport; they ensure personal mobility through making available cost effective modes; and they benefit society by easing traffic congestion, saving money, and creating and sustaining jobs and carbon emission (Tran and Kleiner 2005). Despite the advantages of public transportation, the concept is still not popular in the Middle East, particularly within the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) countries.
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