Gov’t to Introduce Free Ferry Transport for Patients
Patients to receive free ferry travel under new government transport initiative | Photo: MTCC
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced plans to provide free transportation to patients travelling on the public ferry network for medical care.
The Raajje Transport Link (RTL) service, currently operating across eleven atolls, offers affordable and reliable transport for over 12,000 residents on 13 inhabited islands. The service already allows people with special needs and the elderly to travel free of charge.
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Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Ibrahim Yasir stated that the government is refining the public ferry system based on public feedback and community needs. He revealed that free travel will soon be available for patients requiring regular treatment for major and chronic illnesses through the RTL network. This initiative is being developed in cooperation with the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Limited (MTCC).
Under the new plan, Bank of Maldives (BML) will issue a special card via NSPA, enabling patients and their aides to use the service free of charge.
The RTL network’s national rollout is divided into six geographic zones to ensure systematic implementation. A 2023 Economic Impact Survey of Zone 1 users found that 83 percent of residents used the network, with 93 percent expressing satisfaction. The survey also indicated that the public saves approximately USD 6.5 million annually on transport costs due to the low-cost ferry service.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to extend the RTL service to all remaining atolls before the end of the year.
