Drivers say more cars won't fix taxi issues
MTCC has been awarded the contract to operate the government taxi line and plans to use electric cars.
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The Drivers Association has said no information about the government’s planned taxi line has been shared with drivers and no discussions have been held with drivers or the association.
Speaking at a press conference held Wednesday, the association said adding more cars to Malé will not resolve current taxi issues.
According to the association, taxi drivers have been excluded from the government’s plans since the start, and were only informed when the recruitment announcement was made.
Niyaz, speaking on behalf of the association, said no details have been provided to drivers.
“These steps are being taken through a process that is not open. Taxi drivers do not know what opportunities exist or how they can participate,” he said.
Niyaz said increasing the number of cars in the city will not address the problems in the sector.
He said the association believes a solution can only be reached through consultation and driver participation.
Niyaz noted that drivers had previously sent a letter to President Mohamed Muizzu in 2024 outlining their concerns, but had not received a response. He added that many taxi drivers face financial difficulty and limits placed on their work affect their livelihoods. He further said recruiting drivers for the new fleet may also lead to issues.
“The taxi fleet will not succeed. Without the input and consultation of drivers, the problem cannot be solved by adding more cars,” he said.
Niyaz stated that installing taxi meters across the Greater Malé area remains the most practical step to improve services.
He said the difficulties faced by passengers in securing taxis will not be resolved by restricting drivers or limiting their work.
He added that investment in strengthening the existing taxi workforce would produce results.
“It will otherwise be a significant waste of public funds, and the outcome will not meet expectations,” he said.
MTCC has been awarded the contract to operate the government taxi line and plans to use electric cars. The company has begun recruiting drivers for the service.
