MTCC backtracks on decision to hike ferry ticket prices

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has decided not to hike ferry ticket prices for Hulhumale’ and ViliMale’, according to local media reports.

Male’ City Mayor ‘Maizan’ Ali Manik told press today that the decision was made following discussions between the city council, MTCC and the Transport Ministry.

Manik also revealed that the council would grant permission for MTCC to utilise plots awarded to the government company in Male’ to generate revenue and cover current operating losses.

The decision to hike ferry tickets from Rf3 to Rf5 for ViliMale’ and from Rf5 to Rf8 led to protests in both island wards of the capital. Riot police were deployed over the weekend after protestors stopped the ferries in ViliMale’.

Speaking at a press conference this week, Transport Minister Adhil Saleem insisted that the government “would not tolerate stoppages” and that such forced disruptions as part of protests were “non-negotiable.”

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)