الملخص الإنجليزي
The aim of this dissertation is to shed light on the reasons preventing Omani women from using public transport. The overall aim of the study is to change this negative situation by presenting recommendations to public transport service providers to make it attractive and feasible for Omani women, in order to increase the number of people who regularly travel by bus.
Both quantitive and qualitative research methods are used in the study, based on primary and secondary data. Previous studies from different countries are reviewed and a questionnaires survey involving the main aspects of the study was conducted to answer the research questions and achieve the research objectives of this study.
The results of the study were obtained from analysing the questionnaires, which targeted 400 users and non-users of public transport in Muscat. The study found that only 1% of Omani women use public transport. The main reasons for this are related to the company operating the public transport (Mwasalat).
There is a lack of information about the services available to the public, especially on the internet and no mobile application facility. At present, there are only a few bus routes, with bus stops far from the residential areas and some bus stops unshaded.
The second group of reasons relate to local culture and traditions. It was found that women prefer not to travel alone, especially on a public bus because of those who do use the buses are male and strangers.
Moreover, family members would oppose the use of public buses and women themselves are often concerned about their social image and their future relations in the community if they are seen to be travelling by public transport. They may also be harassed or are worried about being harassed at some time on buses, and consequently avoid being in these sorts of situations.
The study recommends that Mwasalat develops and improves its infrastructure by providing shaded or air -conditioned bus stops, as well, as parking for cars near the bus stops. Strengthening links with complementary services such as taxis and community buses would facilitate door to door transport availability. Improved marketing and awareness campaigns in the various media, especially via a phone
application service, would better promote and inform citizens of the importance and benefits of public transport and relevance for Omani women.
