The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has announced that RTL bus services will be free of charge until further notice, following a technical issue affecting the ticketing system due to widespread power outages in Malé and Hulhumalé.

The company confirmed that both bus and ferry ticketing services have been disrupted but assured the public that transport operations will continue without interruption. Public transport will continue uninterrupted until provision to collect tickets is established, MTCC stated.

Power outages were reported across Malé and Hulhumalé at approximately 12:30 p.m. today. In response, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu immediately directed authorities to treat the matter with urgency and pledged that the Government will take necessary action to prevent future blackouts.

Following this, Police also launched a special investigation into the incident. According to STELCO, emergency generators have been activated and power has been restored to key facilities, including IGMH and Dharumavantha Hospital, with efforts underway to restore electricity to the remaining areas.