ONTC Bus Services 

 

 

accident
 24 560 099

breakdown   24 605 555

 

TRANSPORT

 A car, either a private vehicle or a taxi is the most convenient way of getting around Muscat. Mini-bus taxis run along the highways and will take you long distances for a few hundred baisas. Oman's highways are excellent and international traffic symbols are used. Exits and roads, street and building or house numbers are signposted in English and Arabic. However, people usually rely on land marks like Shops, Hotels, Petrol Pumps or notable buildings to give directions or get their bearings.

In 1970, there was only 10 km of tarmac road as compared to the 10,000 of the country's present road network. Cars are the most popular for of transport in Oman and the cost of purchase, maintenance, insurance and fuel are up to 50 % less than in many parts of the world.  To own a car, you must have a labour/resident card. Every expatriate resident is allowed to own up to 3 cars.

DRIVING TIPS

  • Driving is on the right hand side of the road. 

  • Drive defensively as the legal driving age is 17 and the hot blooded young drivers tend to drive too fast, too close, not to use their indicators while lane hopping.

  • DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! The ROP exercises zero tolerance for drinking and driving. In fact it is illegal to even possess alcohol in your car unless you are coming from the airport or liquor shop.  In case of an accident, your insurance is automatically void if you have been drinking.

  • FINES:
    Seat belts: Driver and front seat passenger must wear seat belts. Children are not permitted to ride in the front. [Fine RO 10]
    Mobile phones: Use of handheld mobile phones while driving is banned. [Fine RO 10]
    Need for speed! Acceptable speeding is 9 km/h over the speed limit. Speed limits are clearly marked. For Speeding 40 km/h over the speed limit, you can get a one year ban on your license and a 3 day prison sentence. [Fines start at RO 10 and go up in increments of RO 5]
    It is illegal to drive a dirty car!     You can be stopped and asked to wash your car and even fined.

  • Learners Beware! Burgundy and White striped cars are for learners so give them a wide berth.

  • PAY AND PARK:  Meters operate between 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 21:00 Saturday to Thursday. Parking is free on Fridays and public holidays. Carry loose change 25 and 50 baisa coins as no change is available. Pay & Park cards are also available.[Fine RO 3]

  • Blood Money: If you are driving and cause someone's death, you are liable to pay a sum of money known as blood money to the relatives. The limit has been set at RO 5000. This amount is covered by insurance consequently the high premiums.

  • CRASH!  
    In case of an accident,  call 24 560 099 [999 is reserved for the Fire Department and emergencies] and report your accident to the ROP. Do not move your vehicle until instructed by the ROP. No vehicle can be repaired without an accident report from the ROP.

  • Breakdown: The Arabian Automobile Association (AAA) 24 605 555 is a 24 hour break down service.
     

BUSES
The state-operated Oman National Transport Company runs a national network of buses all over Oman and to the UAE. Timetables, destinations, and route numbers are found at Bus Stops (marked with a red bus on a green board.) Fares are cheap, a few hundred baisas and paid to the driver on boarding. Try keeping the correct change ready.

 Long distance Travel: Comfortable, air-conditioned long distance coaches to Sur, Salallah, Ibri, Yankul, Marmul, Dubai and Abu Dhabi leave from the bus station in Ruwi and Muttrah Fish Market.  Check the daily newspapers or the  ONTC website for coach schedules.


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