E-Participation on Enhancing Digital Taxi Services in Oman

Overview:

As part of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology’s efforts to promote digital transformation and improve transport services, a decision was implemented in April 2025 requiring taxi drivers to join licensed ride-hailing applications. This initiative aims to regulate the sector, enhance service quality, and ensure passenger safety through digital solutions that offer transparent and secure access to taxi services.

At this stage, the Ministry is seeking to assess the experience of both users and drivers following the implementation of this decision. The goal is to gather public feedback to further develop and enhance the efficiency of digital taxi services.

 

Objectives of the Consultation:

• Measure public satisfaction with the digital taxi services provided through licensed apps.
• Identify on-the-ground challenges that have emerged after the regulatory decision.
• Collect suggestions and feedback to support the improvement of digital transport systems.
• Strengthen community engagement in enhancing services and ensuring the sustainability of digital transformation in Oman.

Consultation Period:

22 June to 22 July 2025

 

Consultation Results:

 A total of 16 participants responded to six key themes focused on enhancing digital taxi services in the Sultanate of Oman. The results revealed that 31% of participants currently use licensed taxi applications, while 50% identified "speed of access" as the most important feature when using these apps. Additionally, 51% of respondents indicated that "work and income organization" is the main incentive for taxi drivers to join licensed platforms. Meanwhile, 38% stated that short awareness videos are their preferred method of learning about digital taxi services.

Based on these insights, the Ministry launched a visual awareness campaign titled "Tafriq Ma’ak" ("It Makes a Difference for You") targeting taxi drivers to encourage their registration on licensed applications. This campaign is part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to regulate the sector, enhance service quality, and ensure passenger safety through digital solutions that provide secure and transparent access to taxi services.

To learn more about the campaign and its content, please click here.