The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has announced a dedicated hotline, 1655, for the government’s upcoming taxi service, marking a key step toward improving urban mobility across the Greater Malé region.
In a statement issued on Monday, MTCC confirmed that the hotline will go live alongside the launch of the long-anticipated service. The initiative is designed to tackle ongoing transportation challenges faced by residents, particularly the difficulty of securing reliable taxis during peak hours.
The new state-backed taxi network will initially operate across Malé, Hulhumalé, and Velana International Airport, forming a connected service corridor that supports both residents and travelers. Authorities expect the system to ease congestion, improve accessibility, and introduce a more structured alternative to the existing taxi market.
Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen recently revealed that preparations are progressing, with vehicles set to arrive in two separate batches. The fleet will include three different models sourced from Thailand and China, indicating a diversified approach to meet varying operational needs.
To ensure readiness ahead of the launch, MTCC has begun recruiting drivers for both full-time and part-time roles. The company plans to conduct additional walk-in interviews in the coming weeks to build a sufficient workforce capable of supporting the service from day one.
The introduction of a centralized hotline and a government-operated fleet signals a shift toward more regulated and accessible public transport solutions in the capital region. If executed effectively, the service could reshape daily commuting patterns and set new standards for reliability and efficiency in the Maldives’ urban transport sector.
