Public awareness test phase of the Raajje-Transport Link (RTL) service currently in central Lhaviyani atoll, has been extended. Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) will not be charging customers for fare during the test runs.
The atoll comes under phase two of the nationwide integrated public transport initiative. Lhaviyani atoll is the first atoll to have the ferry services commenced under the second phase, while under phase one the atolls of Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal and Shaviyani have already been covered.
Test phase in Lhaviyani atoll commenced on 22nd November, Tuesday of last week. MTCC had previously confirmed test phase will conclude by 28th November, Monday, and will begin charging fares from passengers. However, Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (MNPHI) – the state body overseeing the initiative – confirmed the test run duration has since been extended, while MTCC has not confirmed the exact date they will begin charging fares.
Two high-speed ferry vessels were transported to the atoll earlier in 16th November 2022. The RTL ferry service has already commenced for six of the inhabited islands in the atoll. Ferries will travel through three distinct routes.
Fares start at MVR35 with a maximum fare charged at MVR125, depending on the route.