Gov’t to Launch Male’ Taxi Electric Fleet for Narrow City Roads

The government is set to officially launch the Male’ Taxi service, a state-led initiative aimed at transforming urban transportation in the capital.

Rising population levels in Male’ and increased connectivity through the Sinamalé Bridge have driven a surge in demand for reliable taxi services. Long waiting times, inconsistent fares and congestion have contributed to commuter dissatisfaction, while private operators have faced ongoing challenges navigating the city’s narrow streets.

In response, the government has established a fully state-owned taxi service to be operated by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Limited. The new Male’ Taxi fleet will consist of 150 electric vehicles designed to improve efficiency, passenger comfort and suitability for urban conditions.

The fleet will include 70 compact “Lumen” models intended for short-distance travel, each capable of carrying three passengers with limited luggage. A further 60 mid-sized S05 vehicles and 20 larger S07 models will cater to airport transfers and family journeys, offering additional seating and cargo space.

The introduction of electric vehicles represents a shift towards more sustainable urban mobility, with lower emissions, reduced noise levels and lower maintenance costs expected to deliver long-term benefits.

The service will be integrated into a dedicated mobile application, allowing users to book rides, track vehicles in real time and access standardised fares. Drivers will also undergo specialised training to improve service quality and reliability.

Officials have stated that vehicle selection was based on detailed planning to ensure suitability for Male’s road conditions, with the majority of the fleet comprising compact models aimed at reducing congestion while improving availability.