Govt company to manage taxi services in Male region
The minister did not confirm if the project would be awarded directly to MTCC.
The taxi service in the Maldives will be handed over to a government-owned company within the next two weeks, announced transport minister Mohamed Ameen Tuesday.
This decision follows questions raised by a member of the parliamentary economic committee regarding a letter sent by the Taxi Drivers Association.
Addressing the committee, Ameen indicated that the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) would be the chosen entity to manage the taxi services. However, the minister did not confirm if the project would be awarded directly to MTCC.
Ameen outlined the key aspects of the upcoming taxi service model:
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The service will be integrated under the RTL bus concept currently operated by MTCC.
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No subsidies will be provided, but capital investment will come from the government.
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Half of the taxi line’s employees will be permanent, while the remaining slots will be available for flexible drivers operating at different times each day.
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Drivers will receive a minimum payment of MVR 100 per hour, with wages disbursed every seven days.
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A dress code will be enforced, requiring drivers to wear a special jacket identifying them as part of the service.
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Foreign nationals will not be permitted to work as taxi drivers.
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Drivers can use their own taxis while being part of the service.
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A designated taxi parking lot will be arranged within the next 10 days.
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Trips to specific locations will not be allowed.
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A computerised system will monitor and manage the service.
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The taxi service will operate 24 hours a day.
Ameen emphasised that the computerised system would ensure consistency and fairness in operations.
"The system directs the drivers and eliminates the need for cash transactions, reducing discretionary decisions by drivers regarding work hours or fares," he explained.
Under the government's Male Fahi programme, the new arrangement will include provisions for interested individuals to operate as freelance drivers through a separate application. At least 25% of the taxi fleet will consist of environmentally friendly electric vehicles, in line with the program’s sustainability goals.
The ministry also highlighted that the taxi service model aims to ensure the safety of both drivers and the public.
