Taxi centre vehicle, driver thresholds reduced under new rules

The Ministry of Transport has amended the Taxi Rules to ease entry into the taxi service and increase competition in the sector.

The ministry gazetted the fourth amendment to the Taxi Rules on Wednesday. The amendment revises requirements for taxi centres operating in the Greater Malé area and sets updated compliance standards.

Under the amendment, a taxi centre registered to operate in the Greater Malé area is now required to have at least 50 vehicles registered for taxi operations. Previously, the requirement was 100 vehicles. The number of drivers required at a registered centre has also been reduced to 50, from the earlier requirement of 100. These drivers must be listed for registration and licensed to operate vehicles used for taxi services.

The amendment also introduces standards for taxi centre offices. Centres are required to have an accessible office with seating and facilities necessary to operate the service.

If a taxi centre fails to meet the revised requirements, it will be granted a 60-day period to comply. If the conditions are not met within this period, the registration of the centre will be cancelled. The cancellation will also result in the revocation of taxi licences issued to vehicles registered under that centre.

Vehicles whose licences are revoked in this manner may apply for registration at another centre, and licences will be issued within 10 days of application.

In addition, the amended rules allow drivers to register and work with up to two taxi centres.