First-ever bus service launched in Villimale

Bus services under the government's Raajje Transport Link (RTL) nationwide transport network began in Villimale on Friday using eco-friendly electric vehicle, making it the first time in the history of Villimale that a bus service has been started.

Speaking to reporters, MTCC CEO Adam Azim said that though people have been living in Villimale for many years, there is no proper network for road transport in the island.

"We have been receiving repeated requests that senior citizens, people with special needs and school children living in Villimale find it difficult to move from one place to another during rainy and sunny hours," Azim said.

In order to address these grievances, the bus service launched by MTCC on Friday will use eco-friendly, quality buses, according to Azim.

He said buses will be stationed at 10 locations in Villimale to provide the service.

"The bus route will be built keeping in mind the places where maximum number of people want to go. It will [include] places like terminals, schools, hospitals .. etc," Azim said.

According to him:

Here's how MTCC plans to shuttle the buses in Villimale:

While the RTL bus service will be launched in Villimale, the Male city council, which is the backbone of the opposition party, has decided to provide the buggy service in the area and had started the process of procuring vehicles for the purpose.

According to the council, 10 buggies will be brought to Male by the end of this month to start the electric buggy service in Villimale. The service is expected to start early next month, the Mayor said.

While both buses and buggies are starting in Villimale, the residents have differing opinions on the matter.