Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has stated that it plans to transfer minibuses to the atolls and begin services this month.
MTCC plans to operate minibus services in the Greater Male’ Region, Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, and Laamu Atoll. Bus services were previously provided in these areas by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) but the services were halted for various reasons including the deteriorating condition of the buses and the challenges in driving the large vehicles on narrow streets.
MTCC brought in 36 minibuses to the Maldives on July 16 to commence bus services. The state-owned company plans to operate 12 minibuses in Male’, while the rest of the vehicles will be used for services in the atolls.
Speaking to PSM News, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adam Azim said that there has been a slight delay in transferring the buses due to the bad weather but preparations have been made in the atolls to begin the services as soon as possible. He further said that the minibuses will be more convenient to operate in the atolls compared to the previous 40-passenger buses.
The minibuses have a capacity of 20 passengers and operate on diesel fuel. The vehicles are designed to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs. The minibus services are part of the larger Raajje Transport Link (RTL) service, which aim to connect transport services across the Maldives. MTCC stated that the minibus services will be cheap and convenient to the public and that five more vehicles will be brought in this month to be used as part of the service.