The Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll is expected to reduce the cost of travel in the region by up to USD30.
On July 13, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) began free familiarisation trips for the RTL ferry service in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, consisting of 18 inhabited islands with a population of over 22,000.
Starting from July 20, MTCC will implement fare charges ranging from USD2-8 for the RTL ferry service in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. This development comes as a relief for residents of Thinadhoo, the most populous island in the region with 5,000 inhabitants. Currently, they have to bear the expense of using a 10-minute speedboat ride costing USD40 to access the airline service in Kaadedhdhoo.
However, with the introduction of the RTL ferry service, the cost of travel is expected to decrease by up to USD30 for any island within the region. The highest fare within the RTL service is USD10 for the highway route connecting Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll to Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. This initiative will provide a more affordable transportation option, enabling easier access to essential services and significantly reducing travel expenses for residents in the area.
MTCC brought in six ferries to launch the service in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and is conducting familiarisation trips along nine routes. The state-owned company will be transferring four more ferries to expand the service, which is expected to facilitate future growth in the local tourism industry and provide an economic boost to the region.