Govt taxi line lacks any direction, MDP says

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday criticised the government's decision to introduce an electric vehicle (EV) taxi service, arguing that the move lacks direction and contradicts previous assurances given to taxi drivers.

The government officially signed an agreement on Wednesday, handing over the EV taxi service project to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The initiative is aimed at promoting environmentally friendly transportation while improving public mobility.

However, MDP leaders have questioned the government's role in directly participating in a sector traditionally run by private operators.

MDP President Abdulla Shahid and MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail took to social media platform 'X' to voice their concerns.

Shahid, who served as Foreign Minister in the last MDP-led government, criticised the government for what he described as a lack of strategic direction.

"The government should create a favourable environment for businesses, address challenges, and regulate industries. Competing with the public in all business sectors is not the right approach," Shahid stated.

He further argued that the government's actions indicate financial instability and an absence of clear economic policies.

The controversy intensified following comments made by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah. Just on Tuesday, Falah assured the public that the government had no intention of entering the taxi business.

However, the signing of the agreement on Wednesday directly contradicts this statement.

Shahid pointed out this contradiction in his post, stating, “The government's conflicting statements about providing taxi services prove that it lacks a clear plan and understanding of its own policies.”

Former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail also criticised the move, claiming that the government had gone back on its assurances to taxi drivers. He emphasised that the policy, while framed as beneficial to the public, could negatively impact private drivers.

“The government claims that private businesses will not be harmed by the MTCC taxi service. However, this could have been resolved through consultations with taxi drivers, rather than by directly competing with them,” Fayyaz stated.

He further warned that the government should not engage in business ventures whenever it sees fit, as this could create unfair competition.