Transport Minister Assures Existing Operators Unaffected
In a significant move towards sustainable urban transport, the government has inaugurated an electric taxi service in the Malé area, entrusting its operation to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).
During a ceremony at Meeruma, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen addressed concerns from private taxi operators, emphasizing that the new service aims to complement, not compete with, existing providers. He highlighted persistent challenges in the current taxi landscape, including inconsistent availability, selective service areas, and arbitrary fare adjustments by drivers.
މިއަދު މި ސޮއި ކުރެވުނު އެއްބަސްވުމުގެ ދަށުން އެމްޓީސީސީއިން ތަޢާރަފްކުރާ ޓެކްސީލައިނަކީ، ތިމާވެއްޓާ ރަށްޓެހި، ސައްތައިންސައްތަ އީވީ ވެހިކަލް ބޭނުންކުރާ، އަދި ޒަމާނީ ޓެކްނޮލޮޖީގެ އެހީއާއެކު މާލެ ޞަރަޙައްދުގެ ޓެކްސީ ޚިދުމަތަށް ވަރަށް އެކަށީގެންވާ ހެޔޮ ބަދަލެއް ގެނެސް،… pic.twitter.com/pHERmvNSR8
— Mohamed Ameen (@ameen3d) February 12, 2025
“Despite regulations, there’s a lack of an effective system to ensure reliable taxi services,” Ameen noted. He pointed out that taxis are often scarce during peak times, with drivers sometimes refusing certain routes or charging unregulated fares.
To address these issues, the government has introduced a structured taxi line, operating under a regulated system, especially during high-demand periods. Notably, this initiative aligns with environmental goals, as the fleet comprises 100% electric vehicles (EVs).
Ameen praised MTCC’s history of public service, citing their role in providing essential transportation without a primary profit motive. He referenced the company’s successful implementation of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) bus services across various Maldivian regions, particularly during peak hours, utilizing a systematic approach.
The minister assured that the new taxi line would not disrupt current taxi operators. Instead, it offers additional opportunities for both full-time and part-time drivers to participate in the evolving transportation sector.
In its initial phase, the service will cover Malé, Hulhumalé, and Hulhulé, managed through MTCC’s proprietary software, inspired by platforms like Uber and Grab. This system will assign specific routes to drivers, enhancing efficiency and reducing passenger wait times to approximately one to two minutes after a request.
MTCC has been at the forefront of integrating sustainable practices into public transport. The company recently introduced electric buses into the RTL network, contributing to the nation’s ‘Net-Zero by 2030’ initiative.
As the Maldives advances its transportation infrastructure, the government remains committed to balancing innovation with the interests of existing service providers, ensuring a seamless transition towards a more efficient and eco-friendly future.
