Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has officially commenced the Raaje Transport Link (RTL) service under the Integrated National Public Ferry Network (INPFN) in Zone 1 of the National Public Ferry Network on June 12th by connecting 13 islands in Haa Dhaalu Atoll via five routes.
MTCC initially launched the service as a free trial on May 2nd to familiarise the public with the service. Hence, all trips from May 2nd were free of charge and several familiarisation programs were organized from June 6th to 9th. Moreover, MTCC is gearing up to launch its RTL services in Haa Alifu atoll.
Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and MTCC has revealed that passengers can book tickets online for the RTL ferry service. Customers can download the app from the App Store and Google Play. The ministry also posted an instructional video on booking tickets. One way tickets are priced at MVR 30 – MVR 100 while return tickets are priced at MVR 60 – MVR 200.
Furthermore, the ministry stated that people with special needs will be able to travel via the RTL ferries for free, and so can a child under three years old, provided that they sit on the passenger’s lap.
The high-speed ferries built for RTL will have a maximum occupancy of 50 passengers. The ferries are designed to accommodate a comfortable and secure ride for the passengers. The ferries are air-conditioned and equipped with comfortable seats and USB outlets for mobile recharging.
The INPFN is a large-scale project that introduces efficient, affordable, convenient, and sustainable passenger and cargo ferry services to all administrative islands of the country. The first phase of the project wiill establish a ferry network of 40 islands in the northern atolls, classified as Zone 1. Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has recently contracted MTCC to provide services for the second and third phases of the Integrated National Public Ferry Network (INPFN) as well.
