**DRT Combines Private Transport Convenience with Public Transport Affordability**
Asia Mobiliti, Malaysia’s leading Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) technology company, in collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), has announced the upcoming launch of Oman’s first Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) service in Muscat.
The announcement was made during the Gulf Green Mobility Forum held earlier this month in Salalah, a significant regional gathering of transport ministers from across the GCC and beyond. The forum showcased major initiatives shaping the future of sustainable mobility.
### Introducing Community Demand-Responsive Transit
The pilot project will introduce a community DRT service — a flexible form of public transport that dynamically adjusts routes and schedules based on passenger demand. Utilizing smaller vehicles, this model extends the reach of public transport into neighborhoods that are not served by traditional bus lines, while minimizing empty runs and significantly reducing operational costs.
For Oman, the importance of this pilot goes beyond just technology. DRT offers the convenience of private transportation combined with the affordability of public transport. It provides a scalable approach to improving accessibility, reducing inefficiencies, and developing a more inclusive mobility system for residents, said Asia Mobiliti.
### A Milestone in Oman’s Public Transport Journey
The launch of this pilot marks a crucial step forward in Oman’s public transport evolution. Demand-Responsive Transit bridges the gap between fixed-route services and private transport, offering a financially sustainable and socially inclusive mobility model.
“We believe technology cannot simply be transplanted from one market to another,” said Ramachandran Muniandy, 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.”
### Supporting Sustainability and Electrification Goals
Eng. Abdullah Al-Busaidi, Director General of the Oman Logistics Centre at MTCIT, emphasized the significance of the pilot: “This marks an important milestone in Oman’s journey towards sustainable mobility. Demand-Responsive Transit provides a practical solution to improve accessibility while reducing inefficiencies in the transport system.”
He added, “By starting with community DRT, we are testing an approach that can help us reach underserved areas, optimize resources, and advance our national net-zero objectives. 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.”
### Building Towards an Integrated MaaS Ecosystem
The DRT pilot is a strategic move toward building a fully integrated Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) system in Oman. By addressing current gaps in the transport network and encouraging a shift toward shared and sustainable travel, DRT sets the foundation for greater public transport adoption.
Looking ahead, this initiative paves the way for a MaaS ecosystem that seamlessly connects different modes of travel, ensures interoperability across services, and delivers a truly integrated mobility experience for all residents and visitors in Oman.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/startups/asia-mobiliti-launch-demand-responsive-transit-service-muscat-collaboration-omans-ministry