RTL Ferry: Most travelled for health services
People from the hub islands of northern atolls travel mainly for recreation and to visit family and friends.
By
Aminath Shifleen
With the government’s introduction of the high-speed speedboat ferry service via Raajje Transport Link (RTL), to connect islands in the country, the proportion of travellers increased by 34% and the highest number of passengers used the RTL ferry to travel for health services, the study found.
The Planning Ministry, commissioned a company called FJS Consulting to conduct this 'socio-economic' study in the islands of Zone-1 where RTL services were first launched. It is the H.A., H.Dh. and Sh. atolls.
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The study was conducted in 16 out of 41 islands in the zone
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The study sought information on the services received in these islands during the last three months
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The study interviewed more than 780 people. 106 business surveys were conducted
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This study was conducted for a 'multi-method approach'
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The objective of the study, according to the planning ministry, is to identify the impact of RTL ferry service users and public institutions providing various services, various members of society, special needs and businesses and various industries
The research found that one in three northerners, had used the RTL ferry service once or more. The study also found that with the government’s introduction of the service last year, the number of travellers has increased by 39%.
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RTL was used by 84% of the respondents in the three northern atolls
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74% of them went to the capital of Haa Dhaan Atoll, H.Dh. Kulhudhuffushi
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Apart from Kulhudhuffushi, the next largest number of people travel to the atoll’s islands and the islands where the airport is located
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Two-thirds or 68% of the travelers traveled for medical purposes; most of them went to see specialist doctors and for special health needs and laboratory services
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The next most frequent RTL trips were to the airport and to visit family and friends
The hubs or main islands of these three northern atolls are H.A. Dhidhdhoo, H.Dh. Kulhudhuffushi and Sh. Funadhoo.
The study found that the travel needs of people in hub and non-hub islands are very different.
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People from the hub islands travel mainly for recreation and to visit family and friends
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People from non-hub islands travel for health care
The use of RTL services for commercial purposes is limited. The study found that it was at 19%.
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75% of them travelled from other islands to suppliers for their businesses
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Business activity in the region is expected to increase in the coming days. It is expected that RTL will be used for small and medium enterprise purposes
The biggest benefit of the RTL for patients and families, the study found, was that people on long-term medications and those with severe illnesses had access to regular, specialist visits and laboratory tests.
Before the situation worsened, the study also found that there was an increase in travel to government hospitals and private clinics for health care and dental services.
