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Sunday 28 Apr 2024
LOCAL EDITION
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LOCAL EDITION
Buggies are transported to Vilimale' on March 9, 2023. (Photo/Male' City Council)
Male’ City Council has officially launched buggy service in suburban Vilimale’, along with a special app for commuters.
The service was launched by Male’ City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in a ceremony held near the Vilimale’ Ferry Terminal on Monday night. The ceremony was also attended by other Male’ City councilors and Vilimale’ residents.
Muizzu also launched the new app, the VilliBuggy app, which the council states will make it easier and faster to book the buggy service. Commuters must pick the pickup and drop-off point, and submit a phone number and the date to make the bookings.
Commuters have three payment options. They are:
Commuters can use the app to choose the type of buggy they want and the quantity. Commuters will receive a text message on their phone confirming booking and a link for online payment – if that is the desired payment option.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Muizzu said the city council had to assume responsibility of providing buggy service due to the issues with private service providers. He asked for feedback from commuters to improve the service.
Muizzu said there will be challenges with any new service.
“We are working on having trained paramedics on our ambulance buggy. Its just one of our staff right now,” he said.
Muizzu said there were “brighter days to come”.
Meanwhile, Vilimale’ councilwoman Nahula Ali said the Vilimale’ buggy service is something the council has received numerous complaints over in the past.
“Today is the beginning of the realization of my promise to the people of this constituency, who have wished to experience easy transport, free of any and all challenges, for ages,” she said.
Nahula said she wasn’t happy because she got what she wanted, but because of the realization of a happiness the people had desperately wanted.
“Because of the realization of a dream you have held for so long,” she said.
Muizzu said the services will be free throughout the upcoming Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
The fare for rides along the buggy route is MVR 2. The fare is different for private hire.
PRIVATE HIRE:
The service is also be free year-round for children under the age of two years, adults above the age of 65 years, students in school uniform, and people with disabilities registered with the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).
