Govt assures state company service won't affect private taxi
The service will operate round-the-clock and be integrated with the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) system.
Transport minister Mohamed Ameen announced Tuesday that Male's taxi services will continue without disruption, even after the government hands over operations to a state-run company.
The minister's statement came in response to concerns raised following last month’s announcement that a government company would take over the taxi line service.
The service will operate round-the-clock and be integrated with the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) bus system managed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). Addressing fears that government involvement might negatively impact the livelihood of taxi drivers, Ameen emphasised that the administration will prioritise measures to safeguard existing drivers’ interests.
“I assure that the government will not do anything to harm those currently in the taxi business,” Ameen stated at a press conference held at the President’s Office.
He underscored that the new system would be designed to avoid undermining the income of existing service providers.
The minister outlined key aspects of the government's approach, including:
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Ensuring the current taxi business remains unaffected.
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Maintaining taxi fare rates to align with the income situation of residents, rather than increasing fares.
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Improving the standards of taxi services to benefit both drivers and passengers.
Ameen explained that the government is initiating this change to address unmet demand for taxi services. The new system aims to better serve public needs and will include several operational changes.
These include:
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No subsidies for the service, but the government will provide capital investment.
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Half of the taxi line’s employees will hold permanent positions.
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The remaining positions will be available for flexible shifts, allowing drivers to choose when they work.
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Drivers will earn a minimum of MVR 100 per hour, with weekly salary payments.
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A mandatory dress code, including a special jacket for easy identification of drivers.
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Foreign nationals will not be permitted to work as taxi drivers.
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Drivers may continue to operate their own taxis while participating in the new system.
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Trips cannot be restricted to specific destinations, and operations will be monitored through a computerised system.
The minister reiterated that these measures are being introduced to improve service standards without negatively impacting those currently earning a livelihood from the taxi industry.
