MTCC to bring electric buses next month

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company’s (MTCC) CEO, Managing Director Adam Azim has revealed that the company will be bringing six electric buses next month to operate in Male’ City under the company’s Raajje Transport Link (RTL) service.

Speaking to Sun, Azim said that allegations by some people that diesel buses currently used in Male’ City were acquired for the same price as electric buses were false.

He added that diesel buses were first brought instead of electric buses due to the pertinent need to commence the service as soon as possible.

“Before electronic bus services can commence, charging stations must be established, people must be trained alongside multiple other undertakings. Because this can be time consuming, the service commenced with diesel buses,” he detailed.

Azim said that electric bus service will first commence in Male City, whilst there are plans to expand the service to atolls in the future.

“Started with diesel buses. As time and budget allow, we will change the whole thing,” he added.

Noting that some news outlets were reporting in a manner that stains the reputation of MTCC – Azim said that preparations were underway to file lawsuits in such cases. He said such reporting has adversely impacted the company’s name, and the trust placed by the public in the company.

He went on to state that MTCC was a company birthed for the benefit of the people. Therewith, he stressed loss to a people’s company is something that would also affect the people.

“Labeling the company as one which does not follow agreements can result in the company losing much profit due to earn in the future,” he had said.

To commence minibus service in Male’ City, 36 diesel buses were acquired by MTCC.

Minibuses operate daily from 5:45 to 0:15 on three routes; Ameenee route, Soasun route, and Orchid route. All in all, there are 40 bus stops. Buses will be stopping at each stop once every 10 to 15 minutes.

A total of 18 buses will be operating in Male’, out of which eight have ramps and wheelchair access.

The bus fare is MVR 7. However, the first two weeks will be a trial round, with commuters allowed to travel on the bus for free.

Once the two-week trial period is up, commuters will need to book QR tickets via RTL’s website or mobile app – RTL Travel.

RTL Travel app is available for free download from AppStore and PlayStore.

The minibus service is free for school students in uniform, people above the age of 65 years, children under the age of three years, and people with disabilities. 

People above the age of 65 years and children under the age of three years will need to show their national ID cards, while people with disabilities will need to show National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) card.