More than 1.6 million passenger journeys have been recorded on the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) network since its launch four years ago, according to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
The milestone highlights the rapid expansion of the government’s nationwide public transport initiative, which has transformed inter-island connectivity across much of the Maldives through ferry and bus services.
Speaking on the “Trade Desk with Ana” programme, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Ibrahim Yasir said the ministry closely monitors passenger data and travel patterns across the RTL network.
According to Yasir, approximately 1.6 million people have used RTL services since operations began, making it one of the largest public transport initiatives undertaken in the country.
“We maintain detailed statistics on passenger numbers, travel trends and usage across different zones,” Yasir said. “Over the past four years, around 1.6 million passenger trips have been recorded on the RTL network.”
The highest level of usage has been recorded in Zone 1, which covers HA. Haa Alif, HDh. Haa Dhaalu and Sh. Shaviyani atolls. Yasir noted that around 1,000 passengers travel daily within the zone, making it the busiest region in the network.
Officials attribute the popularity of the service to its affordability and reliability, particularly for residents traveling between islands for healthcare, education, government services and other essential needs.
RTL was launched as part of the government’s vision to establish an integrated nationwide transport network connecting islands through scheduled ferry services. The programme initially began in three atolls before gradually expanding across the country.
Today, RTL services operate in 15 atolls, with only five atolls remaining outside the network.
According to the ministry, services are scheduled to begin in M. Meemu Atoll later this month. Once launched, only the atolls included in Zone 3—K. Kaafu, AA. Alif Alif, ADh. Alif Dhaalu and V. Vaavu—will remain pending.
Yasir said preparations are already underway to introduce services in those areas as well, in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s directive to establish nationwide connectivity.
As part of the rollout in Meemu Atoll, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), which operates the RTL network, has begun conducting public awareness sessions across islands in the atoll to familiarize residents with routes, schedules and ticketing procedures.
The government has repeatedly described RTL as a key component of its decentralization agenda, aimed at improving mobility, reducing transportation costs and strengthening economic opportunities across the atolls.
With services now covering most of the country, authorities say the ultimate goal remains to connect the entire Maldives under a single integrated public transport system before the end of this year.
If achieved, the project would mark the first time the Maldives has a nationwide scheduled ferry network linking communities across nearly all inhabited islands.
