Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has begun transferring minibuses to the atolls.
MTCC brought in 36 minibuses to the Maldives on July 16 to begin bus services in the Greater Male’ Region and the atolls. As such, 24 minibuses are to be transferred to Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, and Laamu Atoll. In Addu, MTCC will begin bus services between Feydhoo and Hithadhoo with eight minibuses on four routes, and services in Hulhumeedhoo will begin with four minibuses on four routes. Additionally, five minibuses will be used to establish three routes in Fuvahmulah, while in Laamu Atoll five minibuses will be used to establish four routes between Gan and Fonadhoo, and two minibuses will be used to establish one route between Isdhoo and Kalaidhoo.
Speaking to PSM News, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adam Azim said that preparations have been made in the atolls to begin the services as soon as possible, adding that MTCC has reserved the parking areas and trained the employees for the service. He further said 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 aims 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 this month to be used as part of the service.