Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has said minibus services will commence in Male' City before September this year.
Speaking to AVAS, MTCC's CEO Ali Azim said the minibuses are purchased from China and would arrive in the Maldives before September. Azim said the target is to expand public transport services and ensure the availability of bus service every ten minutes.
'The minibus routes will be on bigger roads such as Majeedhee Magu, Foreign Ministry road, Ameenee Magu, etc.,' said Azim.
The CEO said buses for the Hulhumale' Phase II direct route, L. atoll, Addu City, and Fuvahmulah City would arrive with the minibuses. He said a total of over 30 vehicles would arrive in the consignment.
Azim further noted that an MoU had been signed to procure the buses and that the relevant agreements will be signed this month. He assured that the budget needed for the purpose had been set aside.
The introduction of minibus services in Male' City was among the current administration's pledges for the first 100 days of administration. However, while three years have passed since the administration came into power, the pledge remains unfulfilled. The Transport Ministry had previously said the delays were due to budget constraints.
The Transport Ministry contracted MTCC to introduce minibus services in February 2019, to be completed within four months.
