Oman’s national public transport operator, Mwasalat, has officially announced that it will completely phase out and stop accepting cash payments for its city bus services in Muscat and Salalah starting August 1, 2026. The sweeping policy shift is designed to modernize the Sultanate's transit network, encourage the widespread adoption of digital transactions, and deliver a noticeably faster, easier, and more convenient travel experience for commuter groups. Under the updated operations, all ticket fares across both metropolitan regions will be strictly restricted to approved electronic and cashless payment methods.
The complete removal of physical currency builds directly upon an operational milestone achieved in February 2026, when Mwasalat first equipped its entire bus fleet to accept card transactions. Transitioning to a fully cashless model eliminates the daily operational frictions associated with handling paper cash, calculating change, and managing physical currency bins. Transport authorities emphasize that the digital shift will drastically minimize boarding delays at busy urban bus stops, maintain precise route schedules, and establish a far more efficient journey for both passengers and drivers.
To ensure a seamless transition ahead of the August deadline, Mwasalat is encouraging regular commuters to utilize its integrated contact-free payment channels. Passengers can settle their ticket fares by tapping standard debit and credit cards directly against onboard scanning terminals, using mobile banking applications, or pre-purchasing digital travel tickets through the official Mwasalat mobile app. Ultimately, this transit upgrade mirrors the broader financial objectives of Oman Vision 2040, aligning municipal services with national digital banking metrics while constructing a highly responsive, modern public transportation infrastructure.
