The recently launched minibus services have become an instant hit in the capital Male' with more than 8000 taking the bus to travel around Male' yesterday.
Maldives Transport and Contracting Company MTCC's CEO Adam Azim said on Twitter that the minibus services launched by his company have received huge support since it kicked off earlier this week.
Azim indicated that yesterday was the 3rd day of the service and that 8,024 people have traveled around Male' via the Minibuses. This includes 3,094 people who have taken the Orchid route and 2,416 people who took the Ameenee route and 2,514 people who used the Sosun route.
Azim thanked the public for its enthusiasm.
MTCC is looking to revolutionize the public transport system in the congested Male' with the introduction of the minibuses.
The service is currently in a two-week trial period and MTCC said that it would not be charging any passenger during this time. But once the trial period is over, each passenger would have to pay a fare of MVR 7 for a bus ride.
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.
