The Maldives Transport and Contracting Corporation (MTCC) has announced that Raajje Transport Link (RTL) minibus services in multiple atolls across the Maldives will now accept payments through MasterCard and Visa cards.
Payment using MasterCard and Visa Contactless Cards is now available for RTL minibus services in Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, Kulhudhuffushi City, Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, and Gan, Funadhoo, Isdhoo, and Kalaidhoo in Laamu Atoll. Both MasterCard and Visa debit and credit cards issued by the Bank of Maldives (BML) and other banks are accepted for ticket purchases.
MTCC clarified that minibus services in the atolls comprise fixed fare routes and distance fare routes. The fixed fare route maintains a consistent price for the entire journey, while the distance fare route is calculated based on the distance traveled. The RTL website and travel app will provide access to the route map for bus services in the atolls.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTCC Adam Azim inaugurated the service and hidglighted the company's commitment to addressing customer concerns. He mentioned that passengers using the RTL ferry service have the flexibility to change their travel dates after purchasing tickets.
MTCC has streamlined the public ferry service by integrating easy ticketing options for passengers. As such, the ticketing system for ferry services, such as Male'–Villimale', Male'-Thilafushi, Male'-Gulhifalhu, and Male'-Hulhumale', has been converted to the RTL Travel app and website. A total of three payment options are available for the ferry service. Payment can be made through QR tickets via the RTL mobile app or website, paper QR tickets from ticket counters at Greater Male' Region ferry terminals, and contactless debit and credit cards issued by BML and other banks.
MTCC stated that passengers must board the ferry and scan the QR code at the designated ticket validation machine for QR ticket validation. The RTL Travel app or website allows the purchase of a maximum of 10 tickets at once, and a single journey QR ticket remains valid for seven days. Multiple journey tickets are valid for 30 days from the date of purchase, applicable only to the route of purchase within the Greater Male' region.
MTCC has specified that ferry services are free for customers aged 65 and above, children under three, individuals with special needs upon presentation of their National Social Protection Agency card, and students upon presentation of their student cards.
While travel cards will be available until the end of the year, the travel card top-up service will be discontinued from December 1. Customers with a remaining balance on travel cards after December 31 can apply for a refund before January 31. Existing season passes will remain valid until their expiry date and expired season passes will not be renewed.