Mayor warns mini-bus service may fail if unchanged
Muizz shared some of the issues that have been highlighted in the introduction of mini-buses, saying that the buses are not suitable for the capital.
Male Mayor Dr Mohamed Muizz has warned that the mini-bus service, which has been launched under the Maldives Transport Link (RTL), the national transportation system being developed by the government, could fail if the service continues as it is.
Muizz, the housing minister of the previous government, made the remarks in an exclusive interview to sister publication Dhauru.
Muizz shared some of the issues that have been highlighted in the introduction of mini-buses, saying that the buses are not suitable for the capital in terms of size.
According to him:
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The existing buses are too wide for the streets of Male
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It would have been better to have eco-friendly buses like electric buses
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Tickets may be too expensive; people struggle with finding exact change of MVR7 per ticket because the buses do not give change
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It is not easy for everyone to show tickets online or cards
"While it has been done with such a huge amount of effort and money, public transport is bound to fail if it continues as it is," he said.
Muizz said many people were using the service when the service was launched. Muizz, however, pointed out that the number of passengers at present was very low, adding that people rarely use buses other than those operating on Majeedhee Magu route.
"Public transport is very important. But it has to be done after proper research," Muizz said, pointing out that the government had not consulted the Male City Council before starting the mini-bus service.
A two-week trial of the mini bus service kicked off on 5 September, allowing residents of Male to experience the service for free of charge. The trial was extended by another two weeks.
Passengers now have to pay MVR 7 per trip with exceptions made for:
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Elderly; people aged 65 and above
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Children below 3 years
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School students in uniform
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Disabled
Bus services in Male:
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Buses travel on four main routes: Majeedhee Magu, Ameeni Magu, Sosan Magu and Orchid Magu
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Buses operate from 5:45am to 12:15 pm every day of the week
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Four bus stops on each main route
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Buses stop at the stops in intervals of 10-15 minutes
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12 buses be used; seating capacity of 20 people
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Ticketing via an online app and QR codes
