MPs question Ameen over RTL ferry disruptions
He stated that the government is reviewing the service model to reduce the budgetary burden.
Members of Parliament on Wednesday questioned Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen regarding ongoing issues with the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) speed ferry services in the Maldives, particularly disruptions due to vessel breakdowns.
The minister appeared before Parliament primarily to respond to inquiries about the government’s taxi line service. However, MPs used the opportunity to raise concerns about the RTL ferry operations across several atolls.
MP for Vikaradhoo, Hussain Ziyad, highlighted repeated breakdowns of speedboats used for RTL services in the northern zone, comprising Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani atolls. He noted that eight out of thirteen RTL speedboats in the zone are currently damaged and undergoing repairs. He said that this has resulted in frequent trip cancellations and disruption of services for residents.
MP for Hithadhoo Central Constituency, Ibrahim Nazil, also noted the inadequacy of RTL ferry services in the southern atolls, stating that many vessels are not meeting service expectations in those areas.
In response to these concerns, Minister Ameen stated that the RTL ferries were procured from a third-party supplier and that repairs take time due to the specific standards and certifications required for the vessels. He explained that there are currently no backup launches available to replace ferries when they are undergoing maintenance.
“There is no backup vehicle causing this problem. Repairs take time,” the minister said.
Ameen noted that the previous administration, which initiated the RTL project, had not arranged for reserve vessels. He added that the current government is attempting to improve the service, with plans to expand RTL operations to cover the entire country by next year. However, delays in building new speedboats have affected the timeline.
Responding to a question from Kanditheemu MP Ameen Faisal regarding the suspension of RTL ferry services in the northern zone on Fridays following Ramadan, Ameen stated that passenger volume on Fridays did not justify continued operations. He added that services could be resumed on those days if there is public demand.
The minister also addressed the financial implications of the RTL service, revealing that the government currently subsidises 80% of the operational costs, with revenue from the service covering only 20%. He stated that the government is reviewing the service model to reduce the budgetary burden.
