Government’s Taxi Service Takeover Won’t Impact Local Drivers, Assures Transport Minister

The Transport Minister of the Maldives, Mohamed Ameen, has assured that local taxi drivers will not be affected by the government’s plan to transfer taxi services in the Malé and Hulhumalé region to a state-owned enterprise.

During yesterday’s press conference at the President’s Office, Minister Ameen clarified that the government has not formally announced the creation of a state-operated taxi service. He acknowledged, however, that longstanding issues with the availability and reliability of taxi services in the region have become a significant public concern.

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Despite these challenges, Ameen assured that private taxi businesses would continue to operate independently without government interference. He mentioned that three or four potential solutions are being considered to address the concerns around service availability and accessibility.

Ameen also shared details of recent discussions with the Taxi Drivers Association, where he assured members that the government would not implement any measures that would lead to financial loss for drivers. “I gave the association my word that the government would not take any steps that would harm drivers or their services,” he said, emphasising his commitment to supporting taxi drivers and addressing their concerns.

The Minister added that while the taxi fares are currently regulated and cannot be increased further, service standards need to be elevated. He pointed to the need for an expanded fleet to meet the population’s demands in Malé and Hulhumalé, noting that current resources are insufficient.

In response to criticism and political debate surrounding the issue, Ameen reiterated that those already working in the sector would not be negatively affected. He expressed disappointment that the matter had become politicised.

While the government has not officially announced plans for a state-run taxi service, the proposal’s mention in the Malé Fahi programme—an initiative aimed at improving city infrastructure—raised concerns among taxi drivers, leading the Taxi Drivers Association to escalate the matter to the Parliament.

Addressing Parliament’s committee on the issue, Ameen said the government must step in to establish regulations and prevent vehicle congestion in Malé. Without intervention, he warned, safety concerns would continue to rise due to the overcrowded roads in the capital.

New Domain Licence Renewal Scheme to Begin This Month

The Maldives Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced the renewal process for domain licences, set to begin on 17 November. The initiative, led by Minister Mohamed Ameen, aims to improve the security and accuracy of domain registrations across the country.

Under the new guidelines, domain owners will be required to submit updated documentation to align with revised regulations. These changes include enhanced security measures in domain licences and the implementation of a streamlined verification system, allowing easier access to accurate domain information. Updated registries will be issued within 60 days, incorporating stricter administrative procedures to fortify the system against inaccuracies.

The Ministry estimates there are over 1,200 domains in the Maldives. Minister Ameen highlighted the need for these reforms, explaining that initial domain services from the early 2000s were managed manually, leading to potential mismatches and authenticity concerns. “These updates will address longstanding issues with incomplete records, ultimately ensuring better protection for domain users,” he stated, adding that the revamped system will enhance both accuracy and security for domain ownership tracking.