Government Taxi Line to Launch Before End of Ramadan

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, has stated that the government’s taxi line will be launched before the end of Ramadan.

The government has awarded the contract to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company to operate the service. The initiative is intended to address ongoing difficulties in securing taxis and to improve overall service standards through the introduction of a more modern system.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, the minister said the taxis required to commence operations are currently en route to the Maldives. He noted that the vehicles have been modified to suit the country’s coastal conditions.

According to the minister, three taxi models are being imported in two batches. One batch of 60 vehicles is set to arrive from Thailand, while the remaining cars, comprising two other models, are being shipped from China. One shipment is expected to arrive on 11 March, while further details regarding the second batch from China are due to be shared on 6 March.

The service will be introduced in phases, with limited operations scheduled to begin on 18 March to coincide with Eid. The minister expressed confidence that the project would proceed according to schedule.

The government plans to import a total of 150 vehicles for the taxi line. Recruitment is underway for 407 drivers, including 285 full-time and 122 part-time positions.