Maldives Transport and Contracting Company MTCC says more than 2,000 people rode the minibusses on its first of operation in Male' yesterday.
MTCC said that a total of 2,257 people had used the minibus service yesterday as the buses rode three different routes within Male' with over 40 stops across all three routes.
In a further breakdown, MTCC said that 621 people took the bus on the Orchid route while 882 people used the Ameenee route and 754 people used the Sosun route yesterday.
This was highlighted by MTCC CEO Adam Azim who said that it is great to see so many using the minibus services in Male'.
While MTCC began its bus services yesterday, it said that the first two weeks would be a trial period for the buses.
It said that during the trial period the bus rides would be free of charge but once it becomes completely operational, it would charge MVR 7 per person.
However, MTCC said that students in uniform as well as adults above 65 years of age, children below 3 years, and individuals with disabilities would not be charged for bus rides.
MTCC said while the bus services would cover all four wards in Male', buses would arrive at the stops every 10 to 15 minutes.
The company said that passengers can board the buses from 5:45 am and that they would run till 12:15 am.
MTCC said that it would utilize 18 buses for its minibus services and that 8 of those buses are fitted with ramps and railings that would make it easier for those with wheelchairs to board the vehicles.
It said that these buses have 20 passenger seats while those buses without railings and ramps would have 22 passenger seats. MTCC said that these buses can also carry 10 standing passengers.
