Oman's white and orange taxis given ultimatum

Local reports have stated that Oman’s traditional white and orange taxis operating in hotels have been given a deadline of May 31 to either join the new metered Marhaba Taxi company or stop operating from premises.

This is the first time a deadline has been set for the orange and white taxis to move out from the hotels, where they have been operating for years.

Marhaba Taxi project manager Yousuf Al Hooti said they are looking to operate at all the hotels in Muscat by this month-end, The Times of Oman reported.

“We plan to cover all hotels. Be it one star to five star and we plan to start operating from some of the hotels from next week,” he told the local daily.

Announcing the details of the public transport strategy that will continue into 2025, the Minister of Transport and Communications, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi said Mwasalat and Marhaba will only be allowed to operate in hotels, airport and commercial complexes.

He also said there is no limit on the vehicles that they can operate or areas where they could work, as long as those who join are current taxi drivers.

Al Hooti had earlier said they were facing some problems as some of the hotels refused to cooperate with them. “But the problem is getting solved thanks to the Ministry of Transport and we are slowly signing contracts with the hotels,” he added.