Greater Malé Bus Trips Surge to 8.2 Million as RTL Network Expands

Public transport usage in the Greater Malé Region has seen a significant rise, with the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) recording 8.2 million bus journeys in 2025. This marks a 32 percent increase from the 6.2 million trips recorded in 2022 when the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) service first launched. Since its inception, RTL has evolved into a primary mode of daily commute for residents. The service has maintained consistent growth, recording 8.1 million trips in 2023 and 8.4 million in 2024, reflecting a steady reliance on the network for urban mobility. Beyond the capital region, the RTL network provides essential connectivity in Addu City—linking Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo, Feydhoo, and Hulhumeedhoo via the Link Road—as well as in Fuvahmulah City, Gan, Fonadhoo, Isdhoo, Kalaidhoo, Raa Dhuvaafaru, and Noonu Kendhikulhudhoo. Parallel to its land transport, MTCC has aggressively expanded its ferry services. Initially launched in three atolls four years ago, the network now operates across 16 atolls. Efforts are currently underway to introduce services in Zone 3, which includes Kaafu, Alifu Alifu, Alifu Dhaalu, and Vaavu atolls. Data from the previous year shows that 477,215 passengers utilized the ferry network. Zone 1, comprising Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani atolls, led the usage with 245,274 passengers. This was followed by Zone 5, which recorded 110,130 passengers across Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls. Other regions also showed steady activity, with Zone 2 (Noonu, Raa, Baa, and Lhaviyani) recording 81,161 passengers and Zone 6 (Fuvahmulah and Addu) noting 34,877. Zone 4, covering Meemu, Faafu, and Dhaalu, recorded 5,773 passengers. In total, the combined bus and ferry network served 16.2 million passengers last year, continuing an upward trend from 12.2 million in 2022. By integrating land and sea transport into a single, affordable network, MTCC has significantly improved access to essential services, including healthcare, for island communities nationwide.