Oman Bus Update: Now cash will not work in buses, digital payment will be necessary from August 1, 2026

Oman’s National Transport Company Mwasalat has taken a big decision to make bus travel easier. Now the facility of cash payment is going to be stopped in the city buses of Muscat and Salalah. After this new rule, it will be necessary for passengers and drivers to make digital payments so that time can be saved in travel.

Cash payment stopped in city buses

Mwasalat has announced that cash will not be accepted on city bus services in Muscat and Salalah from 1 August 2026. Passengers will have to use only approved electronic payment methods for tickets. Its aim is to make the travel experience faster and easier.

Card payment facility started

The company has started the option of card payment in all its buses between 18th to 20th February 2026. With this, passengers will no longer have to worry about change and the process of boarding the bus will also become faster. Drivers will also be relieved from the problem of handling cash and returning change.

Sayir eWallet and payment methods

The company is using ‘Sayir’ eWallet system to pay for the journey. Passengers can add money to their wallet by visiting the Mwasalat mobile app, web portal or the company’s point of sale. The money deposited in this wallet can be used for city bus tickets.

Support from Central Bank of Oman

The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has also taken steps to promote digital payments. Local digital fund transfers have been made completely free for retail customers and small businesses (SMEs) from July 1, 2026. Besides, the fees for QR code payment has also been reduced.

Old Initiative and Smart System

This digital payment had started a long time ago. Cash payment for cargo and long distance travel was discontinued from 1 January 2018. In addition, NEC Corporation installed Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) in approximately 200 buses, which includes the facility of touchless payment through mobile app.

Benefits to passengers and drivers

• Passengers will no longer have to worry about carrying cash or loose change every time.
• The time for boarding and deboarding the bus will be reduced which will make the journey easier.
• Drivers will be freed from the hassle of cash management and operations will be better.
• Tokenization technology has been used for payment, which keeps the data secure.