International consultant Systra-MVA is undertaking a study on how to overhaul Bahrain’s public transportation, with a view to developing an integrated transport strategy for the kingdom.

The study is part of a Ministry of Works and Housing (MoW&H) programme to substantially upgrade Bahrain’s road network and build an affordable, reliable and sustainable public transport system.
The plan, which could entail the possible introduction of a public transport service such as a light rail transport (LRT), is aimed at reducing the pressure on Bahrain's crowded roads network.
A MoW&H undersecretary Nayef AI Kalali admitted while a Strategic Roads Masterplan was produced following an extensive study in 2002, there were transport problems and issues still to be addressed, notably congestion on the urban highway system, parking problems, the limited extent of the existing public transport system, and the intensive nature of many recent developments.
France-based Systra is expected to complete the study by the end of this year, and the plan may very well also see the introduction of a light rail, bus rapid transit or metro or monorail system, depending on the outcome of the  analysis.