Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has made arrangements for payment using contactless Master Card and VISA Card for RTL bus service in atolls.

In a notification, the company said that customers will now be able to make payments using contactless Master Card and VISA Cards in the general bus service in RTL atolls.

These services will now be available in bus services in Addu City, Kulhudhuffushi City, HA. Dhidhdhoo, L. Gan, L. Fonadhoo and L. Isdhoo/Kalhaidhoo.

According to the announcement, if the Master Card or VISA card issued by Bank of Maldives and other banks is a contactless debit and credit EMV card, then the card can be used for public bus service tickets in RTL Atoll.

RTL bus service also includes a 'Fixed Fair' route and the 'Distance Fair' route. 'Fixed Fair' route customers will have to pay the same price for the entire route. As such, customers will have to tap the ticket on the ticket validator only while boarding the bus.

However, on the "Distance Fare" route, the price is fixed based on the distance travelled on the route and customers travelling on this route will have to "tap out" while disembarking the bus, just as they do "tap in" while boarding the bus, MTCC said.

If you forget to "tap out" while travelling on a 'Distance Fare' route, the total cost fixed for the route will be deducted, the notification said.

"Fixed Fair" routes are as follows:

  • Those above 65 years of age and those below the age of 3 years can get RTL services free by showing their ID cards, and those with special needs can travel free of cost by showing the card provided by the National Social Protection (NSPA), while those in uniform and students studying in college universities will be able to travel free of cost in buses after showing the student card.