The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced plans to introduce free travel on the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service for passengers travelling for major and chronic illnesses.

Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Ibrahim Yasir said the decision was made following public feedback and reflects the Government’s ongoing efforts to make essential services more accessible. Under the new scheme, patients and their caregivers will be able to travel free of charge on RTL ferries when seeking regular treatment.

To facilitate this, the Bank of Maldives (BML) will issue a special card through the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), which can be used by eligible patients and their assistants to access the service. Yasir noted that discussions are in advanced stages and the service is expected to launch soon.

The free travel scheme is part of a collaboration between the Ministry of Transport, the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), and the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).

The RTL high-speed ferry service is currently operational in 11 atolls, with Baa Atoll being the most recent to join the network. The service is part of a national plan to improve inter-island connectivity, with the Maldives divided into six ferry zones.

In addition to the upcoming patient travel scheme, RTL already offers free transportation for people with special needs and the elderly.