Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has said that there is a difference between bus services conducted in Male', in comparison to Addu City. MPL reported that students using the public services of school buses in Addu requires a payment of fees.

The CEO of MPL Shahid Ali spoke to the press regarding the matter stating that school students travelling on buses conducted in Male' ride for free, provided that they are in uniform. He said although, that students travelling in Addu City have to pay regular fees on buses -regardless of whether they are uniform or not. Shahid added that the company has been receiving complaints regarding the matter.

Shahid reiterated that the bus services in both cities differ greatly. He said that there are specialized school buses operated within Addu City. The CEO added that school buses in Addu City operate through picking up and dropping students to and from specific areas the students reside in. He said that these types of specialized services require fees.

Shahid said that students travelling on public buses in Addu City will therefore be charged the regular fee for any passenger regardless of uniform.

The CEO of MPL noted that while these specialized school bus services are available in Addu City, they are not available in Male'.