Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has revealed that minibus services will commence in Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, and Laamu Atoll in July.
MTCC signed a 50-year contract to operate bus services in the Greater Male’ Region, Addu, Fuvahmulah, as well as Gan, Fonadhoo and Isdhoo in Laamu Atoll. Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Adam Azim said that MTCC has made the order for the buses and that 34 of the vehicles will be specialised for service in the atolls. He said that minibusses with a capacity of 20-25 passengers will be used in the atolls and that the vehicles are designed for easy access and travel for people with disabilities. Moreover, MTCC is establishing bus stops and training recruits for the services.
Two of the buses are to be used for service between Isdhoo and Kalaidhoo, while seven buses will be used in Gan, five buses will be used in Fuvahmulah City, six buses will be used in Hulhumeedhoo, and 14 will be used in Feydhoo, according to MTCC.
Furthermore, Azim also revealed that Bank of Maldives (BML) cards and QR codes can be used to purchase bus transit-related payments from August. The decision was made as part of the agreement signed with BML and Mastercard to implement integrated transport management and an automatic fare collection system for the public transport service operated by MTCC.